by Siera London
"My mom and dad said to be afraid of strangers."
Autumn's patience, worn thin, crumbled.
"Get out of my car. Right now, young lady."
Enough already. This kid needed a disciplined, but gentle hand, maybe.
All of a sudden, a scream rent the air.
"Stranger danger, stranger danger," the child belted out.
Autumn spun around, looking behind her to assess the threat. Joggers stopped to stare at her and the horror movie scream queen in the car. "No, I don't want to go with you. Please, lady. Leave me alone."
Autumn glared down at her accuser. “What in the sugar plum fairy?”
"Hey," someone called from behind Autumn.
Between the cacophony of raised voices and condemning stares, she was more than aware of their growing audience.
"Get away from that kid," came another voice from a different direction.
Autumn heard someone say they were calling the cops. Oh my goodness, she should have slept-in this morning. This kid was starring in her own off-Broadway drama, and Autumn was the villain.
Autumn threw up her hands. People walking on both sides of the trail paused to watch the unfolding drama.
Sure enough, the sheriff's cruiser appeared in the lot. The door swung wide and out stepped Keith Fullerton. The town sheriff was a regular at No Limit Bar and Grille, where Autumn used to babysit the owner's five-year-old son, Cai. Her arrangement with Owen Tate tapered off after Ivy Summers arrived in town. The two had married in a late July ceremony behind the bar. Owen had spent the better part of the summer constructing a new patio, complete with tiny lights strung from open latticework and pillars wrapped in ivy especially for his bride-to-be. These days, the patio served as outdoor dining with a view of giant Valley Oaks and fir trees leading up the hillside. A third of Endurance’s thirteen hundred and thirty-four residents had attended. Cai had counted. Of course, Autumn celebrated their happy ending, but boy had her bank account missed the steady paycheck.
Shooting a glance at the kid, her eyes stretched wide when seeing her looking as relaxed as prima donna in a tiara. Seriously, who was this kid?
Autumn, on the opposite end of the spectrum wiped her sweaty hands on her leggings. She anxiously awaited the sheriff, so he could get to the bottom of this and she could be on her way. Whoever the parents were, they needed to be put under the jail. This kid should be in school. Keith approached, his expression more curious than menacing.
"Hi, Autumn." The sheriff's light brown eyes crinkled at the corners when he looked past her and spied the would-be car thief behind the wheel. He grimaced.
"Simone, shouldn't you be in school?" Keith asked.
Autumn looked from the sheriff to the kid.
"You know her?" Autumn said, surprised the man knew the kid’s name.
Keith released a long-suffering sigh. "Yep," he said, tilting his tan cowboy hat with a leather braid back on his head. "I have a long history with Simone and her antics."
The squeak of the door closing drew Autumn's attention. Simone, that's what the sheriff had called her, stood in front of the closed door. The kid offered the sheriff a sickly-sweet smile.
"Good morning, Mr. Policeman. I’ll just be heading off to school now."
Autumn watched to see if the sheriff would take the bait or keep her on the hook. His face looked down right pained. What was going on between these two?
"I told you the next time I caught you, your dad and me would have a long talk."
Simone's eyes widened, a panicked emotion covering her face.
"No, don't call him."
The sheriff extended a hand. "To the station with you. Your father can pick you up."
Chin lifted, Simone folded her arms over her small chest.
“Suit yourself," the sheriff said using one hand to position his hat on his head. "Autumn, follow us down to the station."
Justice was served, -wait, she must have misheard him.
"What? Why?" Autumn rebelled, diplomacy out the window. She supported the democratic process, let every voice be heard, but not if it took another second out of her day. Her landlord had given her until this morning to catch up her late payment. A child’s prank was the least of her worries. Autumn had rent to pay.
The sheriff looked at her. "A dozen people heard Simone screaming you tried to take her."
"It's my car," Autumn exclaimed, not believing the entire situation. "I have class in like...thirty minutes."
Without a word, the law enforcement officer pushed past her and picked Simone up off her feet, not stopping when she squealed.
“I’ll phone your dad from the station,” the sheriff commented as if this were a routine occurrence.
"My daddy doesn't care. Don't call him," Simone whined, tears gathering in her eyes.
For the first time since this very bizarre exchange, Simone's expression was that of a sad little girl. Remembering all the times she’d felt unwanted, Autumn knew she would stay to see who this kid’s father was. No child, not even a car-jacking, sharp-tongued miscreant should be neglected by her parent. Simone’s father, whoever he was, would get a big piece of her mind.
* * *
Disappointed with himself, Rui Conners dropped the cordless phone back in the cradle on his oak desk. Why did he allow this pseudo-love affair to continue? Kirsten enjoyed toying with his emotions. During this morning’s phone call, she’d cooed how much she missed him. Not him as her husband, no-she missed their lovemaking. The next woman in his life had to be head-over-heels devoted to him and Simone, to family. Until then, the question remained. How long would he welcome his ex-wife into his bed?
After three years of marriage, Kirsten had asked for a divorce. The only wedding vow she’d wanted to continue—to love him with her body and soul. Following the dissolution of his happy union, Rui had been focused on caring for their daughter, Simone and obtaining a tenured position at the university. Kirsten had poured her energy into a solo recording artist career abroad. Initially, he’d been hopeful that the intimate connections would lead to a reunion of his family. The every six months conjugal visits crept up to nine, and then twelve, now- though they still talked at least once every other day, it had been eighteen months since Kirsten’s last visit. Rui wanted his life back, and Simone needed her mother.
Though he hated to admit defeat, Simone’s behavior had spiraled out of control. Glancing at the Tag Heuer watch circling his wrist, he grimaced. Rui pushed to his feet, the weight of the world pressing on his shoulders. He had a class of thirty students eager to learn Asian history. If he left now, he’d arrive on campus with enough time to make his first class. Frustrated, he slid a hand into his trouser pocket as he turned in the direction of the garage. In mid-stride he paused.
Where were his keys? Turning back, he pushed papers across his office desk, patting the surface beneath. Not here. In the kitchen now, he shifted empty takeout containers from the No Limits Bar and Grille, stacks of food-crusted plates, and the towels he'd washed last night. Not here.
He glanced at the authentic Heberstein Black Forest cuckoo clock Kirsten had sent from Cologne Germany. It had been a gift their first year of marriage and his wife’s second tour as a solo artist. He’d staved off loneliness by focusing on Simone. Tears had sprung to his eyes when the package had arrived at their Endurance home. The note inside read, I'm counting the minutes until we can be together again. That had been seven years ago, before the divorce and the lawyers. Rui shook off his melancholy, Kirsten would come to her senses and come home to them. She had to.
Crash.
Something hit the floor, and Rui winced. Peering over the counter, his breath caught when he saw the shattered picture frame. A crack in the glass spider-webbed across the photo of a younger version of him and Kirsten. Smiling, she stared lovingly down at the baby in her arms. He recalled how proud he’d been of the family he’d created. He swallowed the bitter taste that rose in his mouth. Idealistic fool. Now, her frozen smile mocked him. H
e and Kirsten had moved from Sacramento to Endurance to raise their family. A family they didn't have at the beginning of their marriage. Simone, his little angel, had arrived twelve months after their wedding. Rui's life was made complete that day. He had the wife, the baby, and his budding career at the University of California, Endurance.
Then, it was snatched from his grasp by a threat he'd encouraged with open arms. His phone alarm blared. Great, he had the phone, but where were his keys?
Rui ran a hand over his face, taking in the mess surrounding him. How had things gotten so out of control? Frustrated, he kicked the still full grocery bag at his feet. The tinkle of metal keys and the rhythmic roll of canned goods on a smooth surface echoed through the quiet room.
Bending, Rui scooped up his keys, grabbed his leather briefcase, and sprinted for the door.
Hand on the garage opener, he pressed the over-sized square button. Once behind the wheel, he breathed a sigh of relief. Fifteen minutes to spare. Of late, it seemed that his eight-year-old pride and joy was on a bit of a hamster wheel. Since Simone entered grade school, it had been increasingly difficult to manage himself and subsequently her. He realized he needed help, but a part of him held out hope that Kirsten would want to be a part of their lives.
Rui hit Bragg Road at thirty-five miles per hour, cruising past the Abel Burney golf course. The university was on the west side of the town center. With the craziness of the morning behind him, Rui committed to making today a good day.
His cell phone buzzed. Pressing the Bluetooth speaker link, he spoke.
"Professor Conners here." Please let it not be the dean of the college again. It seemed someone on staff had reported that Simone had been present several times during his lectures. As a single parent in a small town, he struggled to find reliable childcare and had considered hiring a live-in nanny. But, the thought of another woman in Kirsten's house unsettled him. Seemed too permanent.
"Rui, it's me."
Rui's heart clenched. Not again. Even though Endurance was small enough that he knew a significant number of the townsfolk, recognizing the sheriff's voice before he gave his name was a disturbing sign.
"What now?" Teaching was the one thing he excelled at. God knew he'd failed at his job as a husband. Truthfully, he didn't think he was doing that well as a father, either. Yesterday, Kate Glatt, the principal at Simone's elementary school, called to ask after Simone's welfare considering she'd missed school twice in the past week. Rui wasn't good with women, not even the ones under eighteen.
"Seems Simone tried to commandeer a vehicle this morning. Need you to come down to the station. The woman who owns the car looks pretty feisty. I’d come quick."
Alarm registered. “Is Simone safe?”
Keith grunted as if the question irritated him. “She’s fine. Now, get here before one of my squad cars goes missing.”
Rui's fingers tightened on the steering wheel. "I have a class in twenty minutes."
"And the station is not a babysitter, Rui." The line went dead.
Assured that Simone was unharmed, the clamp around his chest loosened, but not by much. Sheriff Fullerton needed him at the station to settle an incident involving Simone, a car, and a feisty woman. The sheriff’s department, located in the Endurance town square, was thirty minutes away, but his Asian studies class started in twenty. This was Simone’s fourth run-in with the sheriff this school year. He needed a freaking third hand and another set of eyes to keep vigil over his daughter. He needed someone full-time to care for Simone. Just until Kirsten’s next visit. They would sit down as parents and come up with a workable solution for raising a healthy, well-adjusted child.
Rui ignored the pang in his heart. He wanted his family back; his wife and daughter in a home that he as the man of the house provided for them. This equaled a family. He and Simone hadn't experienced a sense of home in a long time. He told Kirsten he'd wait forever. He still waited. She and Simone, his family, were worth the sacrifice of time. Just then, Autumn Raine’s warm smile and lush curves materialized in his mind. The woman had to be the sweetest temptation in the whole state of California. He stopped the direction of his thoughts. Turning onto Saratoga Springs Road, Rui repeated his commitment; no distractions were permitted. He'd lost the life he planned with Kirsten. He refused to lose his daughter too.
Chapter 2
The sweat chilling her skin did little to cool Autumn's temper. Once at the Endurance sheriff's department, they were deposited into two hard plastic chairs without an ounce of give in front of a blank-faced older woman whose eyes deterred the urge to ask a question. Like, how much longer it this going to take? Imagine if she had committed a crime, she'd need a bed and pajamas. The deputy had her driver's license and proof that the car was registered to her. Though it was obvious the vehicle belonged to her, there was still the question of Simone's would-be kidnapping. Autumn tried not to let her anger show at the ridiculous process and failed. The receptionist, sympathetic to her plight, offered her a small cup filled with lukewarm coffee. Autumn sipped the brew in gratitude, appreciative of the distraction. The office buzzed with county staff and harried citizens. People streamed back and forth behind a large window giving a full view of a large room chock full of short beige cubicles. The receptionist wasn't much of a gatekeeper considering visitors could see who was at their desk without conferring with the woman. Placing the paper coffee cup on the empty seat to their right, Autumn reached overhead, stretching her arm muscles and those lining her upper back. There was an audible release when her back peeled away from the plastic, like cellophane ripped off of CD case. Not only was she sticky from her run, she was going to be late to class. Unfortunately for her, class size at UC Endurance was small enough that everyone turned around and gawked whenever someone entered the class late. Great, now she'd have to deal with her professor's censure. She stared down at the pint-sized troublemaker seated next to her.
"You happy now?"
The kid had enough sense to looked chagrinned.
"Nope. My dad's going to ground me for a medieval century."
Autumn raised a brow. "That strict, huh?"
Simone sighed, rubbing at her reddening eyes. "Only when I get into trouble."
Autumn had the feeling Simone created more than her fair share of trouble. She imagined that for this rambunctious eight-year-old, limiting her for even an hour would translate into eternity.
"Don't worry," Autumn reassured. "I'm sure he'll go easy on you," she lied. If Simone were her daughter, she'd see sunshine when the good Lord came and rolled the stone away from her bedroom door.
"Will you talk to him?” she asked, eyes wide in earnest.
Was this kid for real? It was her decision to shanghai the car that got them both into this hump day mess. Autumn couldn't recall the last time she'd had such a terrible Wednesday.
Frowning, she draped a matronly arm over Simone's shoulders. "My closing argument would not help your case."
Simone's shoulders slumped. "Yep...I figured."
The door behind Autumn flew open.
"Simone," a man's concerned voice rang out.
The man's voice was warm apple cider on a chilly fall night. A tingle skittered down Autumn's spine. The sound was deep and firm, yet tender. His voice filtered through to all of her unmet needs and rejection; a place where she hid behind a ready smile and eager helping hands. This reckless, imagination-wielding, precocious child had a father who came for her. And then a lone figure, lean and approaching fast, strode through vast space pulling her vision into a tunnel the closer he got.
It was Rui, the professor from the history department. He strode past Autumn coming to a stop in front of Simone.
Rui Conners, with his inky black hair and matching goatee, strode right past her to wrap his little girl in a bear hug.
Honest, she tried not to make the comparison. Something had to be wrong with Autumn. Her father never came for her. Quickly, she pushed away the rejection, the sadness of an unwanted little gir
l tangled up in the woman she was desperately trying to become.
On her feet, the little hellion seemed to shrink before Rui’s ample height. All broad shouldered with long legs and narrow hips, Autumn admired his athletic build. His skin, fairer than her soft caramel, was a light olive with the rugged lines expected from spending time in the California sun. His eyes, onyx black like his hair and framed by straight sweeping lashes, captured her attention. His almond shaped eyes lifted at the corners with a gentle sloped that hinted of his Asian ancestry. Women paid high-end private clinics for his exotic features.
"You okay?" he asked, directing the question to his daughter.
Genuine concern creased his smooth features as he took a visual stock of his offspring from head to toe. Autumn observed the entire encounter in rapt attention. Rui Conners had always appeared so mild-mannered when she saw him on campus. The School of Arts & Music building shared a campus building with the history department. Something about his quiet strength appealed to her. To see him with his daughter reinforced what she'd observed during his infrequent visits to the No Limit Bar & Grille. He stopped in No Limit some mornings, but he kept his conversation to the men folk. Now he moved with purpose, focused on what had brought him to the sheriff's office on a Wednesday morning, his daughter.
"Rui," the sheriff called from the open door of the bullpen. "Simone decided to commandeer Miss Raine’s car."
The child sprang to her feet. "Did not. I hadn't even driven it, yet."
Rui gave her a quelling look. "No talking, Simone," he ordered, and the child immediately piped down.
Yes, Autumn thought. This is what responsible parenting looked like. Unlike her mother, who’d deposited Autumn with her maternal aunt for months at a time. This father cared enough to one, stick around, and two, listen even though it was obvious his kid had skipped school.
The sheriff stood near the reception area, arms crossed over his chest. "This is the third time in nine months. Maybe some counseling would help."
