Ms. Sierra For Such A Time As This: The Gift, #4

By Kara Beth Huddleston

Ms. Sierra

For Such a Time

Sierra Knowles identifies as a scarred, undesirable freak. Though a successful Atlanta businesswoman, Sierra suffers abuse from family and others until she resists their disapproval. Rejection by her savior and hero, Captain Kasey Knells, drives Sierra to a new, confident life until her job involves her with a group of dangerous traffickers. Captain Knells arrives with a surprising troop of heroes and swoops her to safety and into their unusual lifestyle. Learning she had been manipulated and now shares a supernatural bond with the crime fighters, Sierra rebuffs their alliance.

During a period of unexplainable darkness and self-obscurity, Sierra connects to childhood friends who care for her during her trials. Kasey's group and Sierra's old friends find mutual strengths to combat the traffickers who now live in San Juan, but the confrontation between the opposing forces of good and evil brings little resolution.

Back in Georgia, Sierra uses her natural business skills and extraordinary powers to launch them all into a new enterprise which could change the lives of thousands. The traffickers take another stab at eliminating Sierra. Who will be the hero this time? Will Sierra's unusual skill set help defeat the true enemies to allow her to explore her life options?

Caveat Emptor

Books by KB may contain a few naughty words, occasional, mildly inappropriate behaviors, conservative viewpoints, religious ideologies, politically incorrect scenarios, activities beyond 'neuro normal', and plain old imagination.

If any of these things would cause offense, feel free to keep on walkin' down the line and buy someone else's books.

If you want a fun read, come on, grab a glass of iced tea, pull up a chair, sit a spell, and enjoy.

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kara Beth Huddleston
• Release date: Apr 1, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201089184

Kara Beth Huddleston

As a lifelong learner, Kara Beth self-identifies as a silver-haired, seasoned, sophisticated matron who wishes her creative efforts be widely dispersed before she leaps enthusiastically into eternity. Her three daughters call her quirky. It’s all about perspective. She could never keep in the lines in a coloring book or follow a recipe. Marching to the beat of her own drum gives a whole new meaning to syncopation. Though every authority has told her to write a serious bio, this is the best she can manage. She and husband, Ronald, recently celebrated 50 years of putting up with each other. They have the best kids (and their spouses) in the world, and grandchildren are their constant delight. Kara Beth is a Texan by birth, Yankee by schooling, and Georgian by retirement. She has degrees in music education and media communications. Through the years, she led children’s classes and choirs, wrote and produced Christian children’s musicals, and taught elementary music and private music lessons. She was also a homebound tutor for a large high school and has costumed for churches, schools, and regional theater.  She believes that the mind is capable of much more than anyone can imagine and believes in love at first sight. She is a staunch right-wing conservative. She believes in God’s supernatural power and His desire to interact with mankind. If you want to know the real Kara Beth, check out her blogs.

Book preview

Chapter 1

I HATE THIS! HOW DARE they make attendance mandatory! Diversity training, my eyeteeth! Sierra hugged her purse to her chest and fought back tears. Chants from the upper bleachers caught her attention, and she bumped into the man in line ahead of her.

I’m sorry, she mumbled to his back. From his stance, the military backpack over his shoulders, and his neat appearance, she presumed he was from the local army base. From the burn scars on the back of his neck, she assumed he had been in war like Briggs had been. Except this man had survived. She wished she had the nerve to talk to him and tell him about her brother, but she didn’t. She hadn’t been able to talk about Briggs without crying since last Thursday when they had buried the body parts the government claimed were his. Today the school was making her sit through a lecture insisting that the peaceful faction he had battled was to be tolerated. Bullshit! her voice carried louder than she intended.

The man turned. Excuse me?

Sierra ducked her head without looking at him. Her embarrassment and grief caused the tears to overflow. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to say anything out loud. I was just thinking my disgust with this. She spread her arms toward the bleachers. I didn’t mean to say anything so anyone could hear. It slipped out. She put her head down and sobbed.

What the heck? he groused, but he couldn’t help but put his arms around her. The line moved forward, and he pulled her along with him. This was the ending to an extremely frustrating morning. A speeding ticket, a confrontational teacher, now this. He frowned as he realized how perfectly she fit within his embrace. Not good!

Move the line, butt face, blustered the pimple-faced punk behind them who turned to his friends for support. They were more than happy to join in ridiculing the disfigured man.

He shrugged off the offensive term and moved forward another step. Just trying to help a lady in distress. He pulled Sierra around to his good side and put his arm around her shoulder.

Captain Kasey Knells introduced himself as he held her. Everybody has a story, and you must have a real sad one, sweetheart. He tried to control his sarcasm but felt her genuine grief and put aside his nasty attitude. Wanna share it while we wait? he whispered.

The line was moving slowly toward the one clerk registering their attendance. Typical incompetence of this place! Why am I surprised? One semester and I’m outta here!

He stroked the woman’s back unconsciously. When he realized his emotional attachment, he stepped closer and massaged her neck mechanically. Dang counselors! I’m getting soft. I hate emotions! He continued to grumble inwardly while he waited for the line to move and the sobbing woman to tell her tale of woe. We all have a tale to tell, sister. Yours can’t be worse than mine!

Sierra took a tissue from her pocket and tried to calm herself. We buried my little brother last week. He was a soldier killed by suicide bombers. We buried my younger brother six months ago. He was a policeman killed by the group that values life. She stomped her foot. So bullshit! This is all bullshit! With that, she firmed her back and wiped her final tears on her sleeve.

The registrar heard only the last comment and frowned. Name? she asked Sierra.

Knowles, Sierra.

Top row, seat Z-25.

Looking where the woman pointed, Sierra turned ashy gray. Please, she stuttered, may I please sit on the bottom row?

Seating is limited. Your seat is there. Next.

Captain Kasey Knells.

The clerk looked in disgust at Kasey with challenging eyes and a snarky voice. First row B-1, she crooned maliciously.

May I trade seats with Miss Knowles?

Not if you want credit for your attendance.

Sierra touched his arm. It’s okay. I’ll be okay. Thank you for the hug. Some days you just need it, you know? She sounded braver than she felt. Since last year when she had been stranded on a defective Ferris wheel, she struggled with heights. Several times she had been to the point of a panic attack, but she never had a full-blown event. She shuddered as she looked at the steep risers to her lofty seat but determined to be strong in front of the rude registrar.

If you two love birds can move to your seats, we’ll try our best to adjust your attitudes. The woman waved to the next person in line.

Sierra stepped up one riser and turned to cup his burned cheek. Thank you for your care of me. She turned quickly and looked up to her assigned seat. No, I can do this. I have faced worse than a few steps. She continued to self-affirm with each stair but found herself whimpering as she gripped the rail with both hands. When she finally made it to her seat, she slid down as close to the stair railing as possible with her arms hugging the post. She was barely able to keep from screaming. She tried to relax her breathing but could only get it slowed to deep pants. The noisy chanting of rival groups directly beside and below her added to her terror. These factions represented the murderers of her brothers. I hate them, God! I hate them all! She bent her head and wept again. I’m so scared, God. I can’t do this!

Kasey took his seat and turned to watch Sierra’s fearful progress. She was sobbing again. The two organizations near her were waving banners, and both groups began to stomp the bleachers in time to their conflicting chants. Like everything else at the school, the metal bleachers were antiquated and would not withstand the force caused by the students who were now jumping up and down to the rhythm of their hateful words.

Attendance be damned! Kasey headed up to Sierra and reached her just as the bleacher section separated from the wall and crumpled like giant tinker toys. He straddled the banister, grabbed Sierra by her waistband, and threw her across his back. They slid tandem down the rail.

Once on ground level, Kasey pulled Sierra with him to the speakers’ table. The fumbling dean and inept college president were staring in disbelief. Kasey grabbed the speaker’s microphone. He flipped on the mic and whistled loudly to control the chaos.

Freeze! he yelled. Shut up and listen! The large crowd was stunned to silence except for the frantic screams of the injured. A few rows in the unaffected bleachers began to cross the auditorium floor. I said, don’t move! More will be injured if we panic. Nobody leaves until we get this under control, he repeated. I need quiet, and I mean you too! he shouted toward the collapsed bleachers. I need medical personnel to line up here, military or first responder trained next, brawn, engineers, and physics guys next. Maintenance personnel – we need towels, garbage bags, and things to make splints and bind. Liberal arts students collect scarves, belts, sweatshirts for tourniquets. Business students join medical to take notes. To hell with HIPPA! Anyone with tablets, work with medical to take pictures of the wounded and document the names of the injured. No social media going out. He knew he was wasting his breath on that one but had to say it anyway. Any older ones who are carrying, you are security to watch the bags of those helping. We start at the bottom and move in. Nobody moves up until engineering gives the okay. Triage as best you can. Move out!

Kasey didn’t help the injured but moved through the impromptu rescue unit giving directions as he tried to reach the nearby base with his cell phone. His status with the military was in flux due to his injuries and rehab, but he had connections with a superior that could aid him in this situation. At last his call to General Galloway was connected. Gordon Galloway was his mother’s cousin and was a dependable friend and comrade.

Uncle Gordy, Kasey. I need help, quick or sooner. Though not a general in the usual terminology, General Galloway’s influence spanned all military branches. His true job description lay hidden beneath layers of security protocol, but he never failed to pull strings for his family when he could. Gordon promised Kasey immediate aid, and his quick callback assured that National Guard troops who were headed for crisis training in nearby woods would be arriving within minutes.

Kasey relaxed knowing he wasn’t alone this time. There was backup. He rubbed his tender skin. Not like last time. He shook the memories and concentrated on the scene before him. It wasn’t working like clockwork, more like a hiccupping conveyor belt, but most all were doing what they had been told. Except Sierra. She was bent over a patient in the triage, praying like it meant something. Good luck with that.

Kasey sighed and spoke into the microphone. I guess we need a few preacher types or Sunday School teachers to help in triage. A few of the older attendees seemed to be glad to do something. Prayer circles started around the auditorium. It isn’t called the Bible Belt for nothing, I guess.

They could call on God all they wanted, but the damage was done. The bleachers had buckled neatly in half with the top completely overtaking the bottom step. The victims were crushed. There would be deaths and some very serious injuries. You must have blinked like You did when Tab and Manny blew up right behind me. Where were You then, God? Kasey had believed once but no more.

Kasey joined the engineer students to tell them of the support team that would get the bleachers off the victims. How to do that without more injury was yet to be seen. Kasey suggested an overhead pulley system that would pluck the victims from the top rather than putting the rescuers’ weight on the dangerously precarious structure. He glanced over at Sierra. Maybe he should ask her to pray for guidance. That had been his modus operandi before his injury. Not anymore. He turned back to the problem at hand and glanced at his watch. Only a few more minutes.

Sierra slipped in beside him and touched his arm. He ignored her and went on with his conversation with his group of civilian consultants. Sierra closed her eyes and prayed. He had saved her from possible death. He deserved her gratitude and despite his rejection, she felt drawn to him.

Rejection made her think of her parents. She wanted their acceptance too, but she could never figure out why she wanted it so badly or why she never got it. She groaned and stepped back. She should call them in case they heard about the accident, but she would wait until things settled down.

The next row of victims was being extracted when the military personnel arrived. The Guard joined the existing crew according to their own fields of expertise, and the process began to move faster and smoother. Preparations for lifting the bleachers were underway with the pulley system Kasey had suggested. Sierra prayed harder knowing that when the bleachers’ jaws were opened, the victims’ retrieval would be challenging.

At the doors to the auditorium, a noisy and demanding news crew entered. Kasey stomped over to them followed by three of the higher-ranking officers. Gentlemen and ladies, we are not ready to receive visitors at this time. If you will quickly exit the way you came, we will send someone out with a report as soon as we have some details.

Who are you, and what authority do you have? A reporter stuck a microphone in his face.

Kasey nodded to the other officers who motioned to several of their men to join them. The semicircle of grim federal forces motioned the television crew toward the door.

Wait a minute! The college president pushed his way in front of Kasey. I’m in charge here! I say let them come in!

Kasey turned his back to the reporters and got in the man’s face while the troops held the intruders at bay. He spoke quietly. Sir, you haven’t been in charge since the first bolt cracked. By allowing these people in here, you are putting your students and staff at greater risk by impeding the rescue process. You will be showing the outside world that you are incompetent and thoughtless. The public will see how you and your cronies have let this school fall into disrepair and have allowed factions of extremists to take control of this campus. Is that what you want, really?

The president stepped back physically but defied Kasey’s wisdom. Who put you in charge? He puffed up in insolence.

Read Esther and get back to me on that, buddy. Kasey motioned for the expulsion of the news team and stomped back to the bleachers.

Sierra had been at hand during the exchange and stepped in boldly to explain to the furious and confused administrator. The concept he referred to was in the Biblical book of Esther. Remember? Esther was told that she had been born for such a time as this. I believe Captain Knells was trained for this type of situation, Doctor Bruhn. God did put him in this time and in this place to save lives.

She took his arm and led him outside to the cameras. Let’s go out here where the people can get their lighting right. It’s so hard to adjust cameras to the lighting in an auditorium. It turns the picture yellowish and makes the skin look quite sallow. She smiled at him, knowing that whether or not her statement was true, she had persuaded the egotistical man to do Kasey’s bidding. Here we go. She pulled a nearby reporter to take her place, and she was escorted back inside by a Guardsman.

Sierra put her hand on Kasey’s arm and felt dampness. She looked at his face, streaming with sweat. She looked at her hand. It wasn’t sweat. It was blood. Kasey, your arm.

He jerked his arm away and shoved up his shirtsleeve. Just my prosthetic giving me trouble. He twisted the hand and forearm from its socket and thrust the artificial limb into an elastic band on the side strap of his backpack. It’ll stop bleeding now. He ignored her concern and moved back into the calamity. The military men overlooked the odd addition to Kasey’s attire. The civilians glanced at him nervously and turned away.

Sierra followed him closely and saw the looks of horror he received. Her foot slipped. Kasey’s bloody footsteps revealed more injury than his arm. His clothes, from the straps of his backpack down, were covered with dark bloodstains. She motioned for a leader of the Guard to join her and pointed to Kasey. Kasey’s face was becoming more flushed, and his entire outfit was soaked in perspiration and blood.

Captain Knells, I need you to come with me, the older officer placed his hand gently on Kasey’s shoulder.

I’d rather not, sir. The job isn’t finished. I’ll be fine.

I’m sorry, son. I outrank you. I need you to go get checked out by a medic. Major Green stood up to the larger, younger man. I got a call from General Galloway, and I am not willing to bear the brunt of his displeasure. If his relative bled out under my watch, I might as well kiss this job goodbye. He smiled good-naturedly but inwardly he grieved for the captain. Young people had to be scarred by the wars that old men started. Nothing was right in this crazy world.

Kasey realized he could not discourage the man and waited for the medic to join them.

May he be tended in an outside hallway or restroom? Sierra asked. I’m sure he’ll want to come back to his post, and – She fumbled for the right words until she looked at the officer. You understand.

Major Green smiled at the young woman running interference for Kasey. I need for you to accompany these men and report to me if they need further assistance.

I don’t need – Kasey stammered.

Miss – Major Green waited for the introduction.

Sierra Knowles.

Miss Sierra Knowles will be my civilian liaison. With no further comment, he joined his troops in the rescue process.

Kasey growled under his breath but meekly followed the soldier to the dark corner of the auditorium, through the glass doors, and to the closest men’s restroom. Sierra helped remove Kasey’s backpack and started to unbutton his collared shirt.

I can handle my own clothes, Miss Knowles.

She smiled up at him. You wouldn’t deny a lady a chance to remove a hunky man’s shirt, now would you? she teased.

Freak show time?

Sierra’s arms dropped to her sides. Are you saying anyone with scars is a freak? she asked softly.

Yeah. If you don’t believe it, ask anyone out there!

Sierra shifted her body and slipped off her shirt before turning to face Kasey and the medic. I guess that makes me a freak, too?

Kasey was stopped cold. Her torso, front and back, were burned worse than Kasey’s back.

I tripped into a bonfire when I was young. It was at the edge, and my middle fell across the burning logs. When I tried to roll, I rolled the wrong way and rolled back into the fire. I was toasted on both sides. She put on her shirt. We all have scars, Captain Knells. Some are easily seen. Some are inside scars. We can allow our outer scars to burn inward causing alienation from those who want to help, or we can remember our scars to reach out to others with empathy.

As you said, Miss Knowles, bullshit. He glared in anger, hurt, and remorse.

Sierra resumed her task. I agree, but I’ve read too many counseling books, and that knowledge would be wasted if I didn’t spout back what I learned, she snickered grimly with a half-hearted smile. The medic removed Kasey’s bloody undershirt. Sierra took it and the outer shirt and rinsed them in the sink.

The medic worked quickly and cleansed the wounds as best he could, but Kasey needed more help than he could provide. Sir, I would suggest you go to the hospital.

Maybe later, thanks. Just stop the bleeding and bind me up for right now.

Sierra held the undershirt in the hot air stream of the hand dryer. It didn’t take long for the thin shirt to dry. She knew Kasey’s heroic efforts to save her were the cause of the fresh injuries to his back and arm. She was humbled and distressed. There was nothing to do but say thank you.

The medic put his gear away. I have to report the extent of your injuries to Major Green.

Do what you need to do. He shook the man’s hand. Thanks.

Sierra helped him into his shirts. Thank you again for saving me.

You are welcome, now drop it, he grunted rudely.

Sierra’s eyes flashed in anger, and she slapped her palm against the sink counter. She had little patience on a regular day, and she had been losing what little she had for the last six months. Captain Knells was about to receive the final sendoff of that waning virtue. You need to get over your own sweet self, honey! You are here. You are alive! Doesn’t that count for anything? You think just because you made it back and someone else didn’t that you don’t deserve to live.

How do you know that? he yelled.

Because I doubt if you were alone when that happened. And I wasn’t finished! She moved closer and pointed up indignantly into his face. You are angry because you can’t make everything right. You think –

You don’t know what I think! he yelled and grabbed her arm.

I’m sorry. She pushed his hand away. You’re right. I was wrong to think I know what you think. I’m sorry you are in pain.

I’m not in pain.

Sierra knelt, unzipped his backpack, and took out vials of medicines. He grabbed for them, but she swung them out of his reach. She handed him two pills and then a drink.

How did you know I had pills?

Anyone in your shape would have pain pills.

Kasey was angry beyond words. He did hurt, and everything she had said about him was true. He was furious that this latest injury would send him back into surgery. His parents had vowed not to perform more skin grafts if he tore up another repair job no matter how worthy the cause. He downed the pills and held the prosthetic to attach it back to the socket.

We didn’t clean this area yet, Sierra protested.

This ordeal will be over in a few hours. There are people out there in worse shape than I am. I need to do my job.

Sierra wanted to argue but knew her words were fruitless. She held him back from the doorway. I doubt I’ll see you again. One more hug and a prayer for the road? she asked, hoping to make amends.

Kasey glared angrily and pushed past her. Save your energy for someone who cares.

Chapter 2

SIERRA VOWED NOT TO cry in embarrassment or hurt. It’s his own hurt that causes him to be so cruel, isn’t it, God? And it’s not my scars, is it? Sierra squared her shoulders. It wasn’t the first time she’d been rejected, and it wouldn’t be the last. She scooted back into the restroom to compose herself and swallowed her hurt.

Major Green was having words with Kasey, so Sierra ducked her head and shouldered past them. It was not her business. She had expressed her thanks. It was enough.

Miss Knowles, the Major called.

Sierra stopped and turned back politely.

I am relieving Captain Knells of his command. I have arranged for you to escort him to the base hospital with two of our men. General Gordon and his parents will meet you there.

I’d prefer not to, sir.

The major took her hand and led her away from the fuming patient. I’d really appreciate this, Miss Knowles. I can see that he really likes you, and he’ll listen to you.

Sierra looked at Major Green in total shock. My dear Major! she hissed. You are in serious need of glasses if you think he cares about anyone but himself!

The old soldier put his arm around Sierra and walked her further away. I have been where that young man stands. Not with the same injuries but very severe ones, nonetheless. He needs you or someone like you. He held up his hand to ward off her protests.

Before Major Green could say more, Kasey turned quickly back to the bathroom. They could hear him retching from behind the closed door.

Just get him to the hospital, and his parents can take it from there. Please. I don’t want him being alone.

Sierra knew that Kasey would have at least two soldiers escorting them to the base, but she understood the major’s concerns. She followed the group to the waiting vehicle and climbed in, cramming herself into the far corner of the MEV. The medics efficiently attended Kasey and brought in two injured civilians for transport.

Sierra ended up scrunched in the floor next to Kasey’s head. With her back to him, she pulled her legs to her chest and took out her phone. She would have to brave the interrogation sooner or later, so she’d better do it while she was still strong from being upset. Anger sometimes helped her stand up for herself. Hopefully this would be one of those times.

As was