What set him off to even begin searching the trailer for the truck’s keys? she wondered. Was it because I said we were going to talk about Mom and the ring?
Tess didn’t know, but one thing she did know. When he’d found the keys along with the bundle of money, he’d taken everything and hit the road. From past experience, she figured he would be back in a week or two after the money ran out.
I won’t be here when he gets back, Tess thought. This is the last straw. I’m leaving, and he can just take care of himself from now on.
Even as Tess began stuffing clothes into a plastic bag, she knew she couldn’t go. As far as she was concerned, her one shot at getting into college lay in remaining at Covington High.
I’ve got to get that science scholarship, she thought. I’ve just got too. I’ll be eighteen next month. I’ll be old enough to live on my own. I’ll get a place in town. Dad will just have to figure out how to take care of himself. I’m over this.
Tears started forming in Tess’s eyes. She held them back by sheer force of will. I won’t cry. I haven’t cried since Mom died. I’m not going to start now.
She stopped stuffing clothes in the bag, then stoically shoved the mattress back onto its frame and began straightening up. Once finished with her room, she moved to the kitchen and living room, cleaning up as she went. Under the table, she found a plastic bag with a package of hamburger and a bag of buns. The meat was still cool as if it hadn’t been there long.
Dad said he was going to cook me supper. He must’ve bought some groceries and then got sidetracked. Maybe thinking of Mom was just too much? That had to be what set him off? Or was the pull of alcohol just too much on its own for him to resist?
Tossing the hamburger into the refrigerator, Tess finished cleaning up the kitchen and the living room. While picking up paper that had been tossed onto the floor from a desk drawer in the living room, she found an index card with the words:
Iva Wilkerson, Golden Years Nursing Home, Fort Worth, TX
Great-Aunt Iva, Tess thought. I doubt I’ll ever go see her, but at least I know where she is. Assuming she’s still alive, of course. She tried to remember when she’d last seen the old woman. Mom was still alive then. I remember thinking Aunt Iva was ancient at the time. She’s got to be near a hundred now.
Once the trailer was livable again, Tess went back to her room to make a final pass. She pointedly refused to touch her dad’s room. He can sleep on the couch for all I care. I’m done cleaning up his mess. Tess wondered whether she was angrier at her dad for stealing her money or for letting her down again. He’d been so sincere that she’d honestly thought he was going to change. I swear I’m never going to trust anyone ever again. I’m done with people letting me down.
With that thought, Tess left the trailer, mounted her motorcycle, and sped off toward town. Despite her foul mood, she forced herself to remain at the speed limit. Five minutes later, she was glad she’d controlled her temper because, when she rounded a bend, there was a sheriff’s car half-hidden behind a bridge abutment. When she passed doing the posted speed, Deputy Stewart stuck a hand out the driver’s window, giving a wave of acknowledgement. She nodded her head in return.
Once in town, Tess noted the time. She still had a half hour before she needed to be at Jack’s. Turning down a side road, she took a shortcut toward the library. Mrs. Walker opened the back door before Tess even got a chance to knock.
“Why, Elizabeth, what a surprise. I saw you driving up. I’m afraid the library’s empty. Everyone’s left for the game.” The librarian winked. “There’s a dance tonight, you know.” She started to smile but grew suddenly concerned. “I thought you said you were eating supper with your father. Is something wrong?”
The last of the anger left Tess. She’d always found it hard to be angry when she was around the old woman.
“Yeah, that’s what I thought,” Tess said forcing a smile. “Unfortunately, it didn’t work out that way. Dad wasn’t there, so I didn’t eat. Now I’ve got to be at Big Jack’s by six.”
Mrs. Walker nodded her head sympathetically and stepped back motioning Tess inside. After closing the door behind them, the librarian took a seat at her desk and pointed at a chair across from her.
Sitting down, Tess sniffed the air hopefully. “Do I smell cookies?”
“Yes, you do. I baked oatmeal cookies for a group of second graders that stopped by on a field trip this afternoon.” Mrs. Walker sighed. “I’d offer you some, but the little scoundrels ate them all.”
More than a little disappointed, Tess smiled for the librarian’s benefit, hesitant to open up about her dad’s latest betrayal. “You can’t fool me. I’ll bet it did your heart good to have them eat them all. I’m also willing to bet they were begging for more before they left.”
Mrs. Walker laughed. “You know me too well, and you’re right. They did beg for more. Next time, I’m making a double batch just to make sure I have enough.” She looked closer at Tess. “Now, I’m pretty sure you didn’t stop by to talk about cookies, dear. What’s on your mind? You said your dad wasn’t home. Why don’t you tell me what happened?”
The kindness in the old woman’s eyes reminded Tess a little bit of the way her mom used to look at her. Despite her pledge never to trust anyone again, she found herself opening up to the old lady again. She told the librarian about her dad’s latest broken promise and the mess in the trailer, then about all the previous broken promises. Like always, Mrs. Walker was a good listener. She mostly remained silent, nodding her head at the appropriate times while seemingly giving Tess her undivided attention. When Tess was finally finished speaking, she was surprised to see fifteen minutes had passed.
The librarian reached out and patted Tess’s hand. “Everything’s going to be all right, Elizabeth. You’ve just got to have faith.” She glanced at the clock. “Now, I know more than a few people think I’m a little addled at times.” She smiled. “Perhaps they’re right, but I’m wondering if you should report your father as missing to the police.”
“The police?” Tess asked thinking of how many times her dad had left in the past, only to show up bedraggled and broke a few days later. “The sheriff’s office knows Dad only too well. They’d laugh me out of the station if I reported him missing after only a couple of hours.”
Nodding her head, Mrs. Walker gave a kind smile. “I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting your father, so maybe you’re right. However, let’s say you did report him missing, and the police did locate your father, they might be able to recover at least some of your money if he hasn’t spent it already. It’s just a thought, dear.”
Her eyes drawn to the clock, Tess nodded. She wasn’t hopeful. “Maybe. Anyway, I don’t have time to do it now. I may call once I’m at Big Jack’s if it’s not too busy.” She smiled at the old woman. Even though she knew the librarian couldn’t do anything to help, Tess felt better for having shared the load with someone. “I have to go now. Thanks for listening, Mrs. Walker.”
As Tess stood, the librarian said, “One more thing, Elizabeth. I was wondering if you wanted to get together tomorrow to talk about your ring. I do have some suggestions on learning it’s capabilities if you’re interested.”
Tess was interested but not sure tomorrow was a good day to begin. “I don’t know, Mrs. Walker. I’ve got a martial arts tournament tomorrow. My sensei is depending on me.”
“Oh, dear, didn’t your mother ever tell you that proper ladies don’t fight?” The old librarian smiled, giving a wink. “Alec’s taken that karate stuff for years. Are the two of you in the same class? Maybe that’s why he didn’t ask you to the dance. It’s something to think about, dear.”
Smiling, Tess shook her head. “Doubtful.” She looked at the old woman, seeing what looked like real concern on her face. “Uh, I didn’t know your nephew took lessons. I train in a dojo in Kernersville. My sensei lets me take lessons for free in exchange for helping with the younger children. I’ve got to be at the Kernersville Civic Ce
nter by one tomorrow to help the kids with their uniforms.”
“Well, that’ll work out fine then, Elizabeth. Why don’t you meet me here at nine tomorrow morning? That’ll leave plenty of time to go over a few things before your fight.”
“It’s not a fight,” laughed Tess. “It’s just a tournament. We spar.”
“My dear Elizabeth, I can see I’m going to have to take you under my wing and teach you the proper etiquette of being a lady. Maybe once we get all of this ring business straightened out, we can take a couple of evenings a month to get together and talk girl stuff. I never had a daughter of my own, but I’ve got a lot to share if you’ve a mind. How would you like that, dear?”
Tess wiped at something near the corner of her eye. “I think I’d like that just fine.” She turned to leave. Once at the door, she looked back at the librarian. “Thank you for being my friend, Mrs. Walker.”
“That’s quite all right, Elizabeth. Everyone needs friends now and then. I learned that a long time ago.”
Tess nodded her head. She had a feeling the kind old woman was right. She thought of her ring and of her missing dad. I think I’m going to need friends more than ever, she thought as she exited the library.
Chapter 23 – The Game
____________________
The stands at Covington High’s football stadium were packed. The noise from the crowd was deafening as the cheerleaders of both teams urged their teams to win. The time on the scoreboard showed eighteen seconds left in the fourth quarter. The score was Covington: 20 and Kernersville: 26. Alec stood on the sideline straining to hear his coach’s final instructions.
“All right, Johnson,” yelled the coach in Alec’s left ear. “An on-side kick is our only hope. Make it happen. I’m depending on you.”
With the coach’s slap fresh on his back, Alec ran onto the field with his teammates trailing behind.
Scott stopped on the way to his position and grabbed Alec’s facemask while staring straight into his eyes. “We need that ball back. You can do this, buddy.”
“Even if by some miracle we get the ball,” Alec said, “we still need a touchdown.”
Scott grinned. “You worry about the on-side kick. The offense will take care of the touchdown. We’ve only got eighteen seconds to make it happen, so get to it buddy.”
Nodding his head, Alec watched his friend take his position on the right side of the line. He looked at the Kernersville players spread out across the field opposite his team. The best of Kernersville’s backfield were interspersed in their line, waiting for his kick.
Well, he thought, it’s not like they have to be rocket scientists to figure out we’re going to try an on-side kick. The crowd knows it, and Kernersville’s coach certainly knows it.
Scanning the opposite line, Alec targeted the Kernersville player his coach was gambling would be most likely to fumble the ball.
I hope Coach is right.
Running forward, Alec kicked the ball low and hard. It made the minimum distance before taking an unexpected bounce and tumbling toward a different player. Alec recognized the Kernersville player as number 22, the team’s best running back. The ball went straight into the boy’s hands. The smart thing for number 22 to have done would’ve been to fall on the ball and run the clock out. The boy didn’t do that. Alec wasn’t sure why the Kernersville player decided to run the ball instead. Possibly it was aspirations of glory or the fact that at least two college football scouts were in the crowd specifically to observe him. Regardless of the reason, the boy ran, dodging multiple Covington players while getting a couple of helpful blocks from his teammates.
Reading the writing on the wall, Alec angled back toward his own goal line, making an educated guess where number 22 would break free. Alec saw Scott make a dive at number 22’s legs, getting a hand on the runner’s foot before losing his grip. Number 22 broke free with the closest Covington player a good five meters behind. The realization came over Alec that he was the only one standing between number 22 and the goal line. He may outweigh me by thirty pounds, Alec thought, but all I’ve got to do is slow him down long enough for one of my teammates to help make the tackle.
Number 22 made a feint to the right. Alec started to follow, but his martial arts training kicked in, warning him of misdirection. He pushed off with his opposite foot toward number 22’s left just as the player spun left. Wrapping his left arm around the boy’s waist, he shoved his right arm upward, into the football tucked tightly between number 22’s arm and chest. The ball shot into the air before hitting the ground and tumbling to the side. A Covington player dived for the ball, only succeeding in knocking the football farther downfield. Two Kernersville players attempted to grab the ball but got tangled with each other. The ball slid between them and was scooped up by a Covington player. Alec recognized the player as Scott. By this time, number 22 had shaken free and threw Alec to the ground, knocking the air out of him. He didn’t care. His eyes were on Scott as the big running back ran down the field, toward the goal line. Struggling to his feet, Alec caught a glimpse of the scoreboard. The timer was at zero.
“Go, Scott!” he yelled as he regained his breath and began running down the field as well. He knew whatever was going to happen was going to occur long before he could get anywhere close to the ball, but he ran anyway. Up ahead he saw Scott break two tackles and jump past a Kernersville player as he continued racing for the goal line.
Twenty-yard line; a Kernersville player got a hand on Scott’s shoulder. The Covington running back broke free.
Ten-yard line; another player grabbed at Scott’s foot, partially tripping him. Scott recovered and continued forward.
Five-yard line; a Kernersville player got an arm around Scott’s waist as a second player jumped on his friend’s back. Somehow Scott remained on his feet, continuing to bull his way forward as a half-dozen Kernersville players closed the distance.
At the three-yard line, Scott stretched out his arms and dove forward. A gaggle of Kernersville players piled on the running back, obscuring Alec’s view, but the one thing he could see were the raised arms of the referees denoting a touchdown. A roar rose from Covington’s side of the bleachers. Alec glanced at the scoreboard, seeing the 20 for Covington change to 26.
After the referees got things organized and the crowd settled down, play continued. Alec’s extra-point kick went straight through the uprights. The numbers on the scoreboard finalized at Covington 27 and Kernersville 26.
Despite the backslaps and enthusiastic congratulations of his fellow players, Alec felt like he was missing something. Even a kiss on the cheek from Betty didn’t dispel the feeling of emptiness. As the team began to head toward the locker room, Alec turned to scan the crowd. His eyes automatically looked for dirty-blonde hair, black leather jacket, and torn pants. He didn’t find it. At that moment, he knew what he was missing.
Tess.
Chapter 24 – Post-Game
___________________________________
Slow wasn’t the word for business at Big Jack’s Pizza. With only two customers at table number three, both Mary and Tess found themselves with time on their hands talking behind the waitress station before the game let out.
“So the cops weren’t too concerned, huh?” said Mary. “It figures.”
“No,” Tess said frowning. “I told them that I’d called around and found out that Dad had gotten off an hour early from work. Someone saw him leaving the grocery store about two-thirty and riding in the direction of home. The desk sergeant wasn’t impressed. He told me that I needed to wait at least forty-eight hours before reporting an adult as missing unless there was something suspicious. I mentioned the mess and the missing money, but I think Dad’s reputation didn’t help any. The desk sergeant did tell me they’d unofficially keep an eye out for our truck in the meantime. I’m not hopeful though.”
“Well, you’ve done all you can,” said Mary giving her a pat on the back. “What do you say we go to my house after work? My parents
like you. I’m sure they wouldn’t mind if you spent the night. I hate the thought of you spending the night in that trailer of yours all by your lonesome.”
Tess laughed. “Believe me. I’m used to being alone. It’s no big deal.”
“Well, do me a favor and at least think about it,” said Mary. Looking out the plate-glass window, she pointed at an approaching line of cars. “In the meantime, it looks like we’re about to get swamped with customers. The game must be over. We’ll be getting another rush after the dance, unless I miss my guess.”
Her friend was right. A wave of excited teenagers and adults alike engulfed Big Jack’s, consuming pizza like it was going out of style. Tips were light, but the crowd did keep Tess’s mind off her problems for a couple of hours. By the time the first wave was over, she was bone tired. Although trying not to make it obvious, she’d looked for Alec in the crowd of customers more than once.
“Relax,” said Mary when the number of people finally began thinning out. “Your jock’s the big hero of the day, or haven’t you heard? I’ve no doubt he’ll be here after the dance, in all his glory. Jocks are all the same.”
“Alec’s not like that,” Tess said regretting the words as soon as they came out. The surprised look on her friend’s face told her she’d said far too much.
“Oh no,” said Mary. “Don’t tell me.”
“Don’t start,” Tess said. “He’s just a friend, so don’t go making anything out of it that’s not there.”
“You can’t fool me, so don’t even try. The boy’s gotten to you.” Mary laughed. “I’m curious what got to you first; his good looks or that innocent country-boy charm?”
Fortunately, a new wave of customers came in before Tess’s friend was able to dig into the subject further. Tess did her best to forget about Alec. She was doing pretty good until Alec, Scott, and two girls walked in and sat at table number five—her table. She knew the girls and supposed they were nice enough. Not that she had many friends, but Betty and Wanda weren’t among the few she had last time she looked. Although she was tempted to switch tables with Mary, Tess immediately tossed the idea aside. I handle my own problems, she thought. Walking over, she started passing out menus until Scott stopped her.
Fire Defender Page 15
