Running Scared

by Shirlee McCoy

  “I wish I could, but my folks are waiting for me back at the hotel. You ready, buddy?”

  Eli nodded and stood. “Thank you for the pie, Ms. Edith.”

  “You’re very welcome.”

  “Ms. Tennyson, maybe you could—”

  “I’m going to rest, Eli. You enjoy Thanksgiving with your family.” Maggie broke in gently.

  “All right.”

  “Don’t sound so glum. You’re going to have a wonderful time playing chess with your grandfather.” Maggie smiled and took his hand, walking out into the foyer with him.

  Kane followed, the subtle scent of Maggie’s perfume drifting in the air. She’d spoken of a sordid past, but none of it showed in her face. Her skin was smooth and clear, her face unlined. Whatever she’d done, whoever she’d been, she’d changed. Turned her life around. Kane wouldn’t let that be taken from her.

  She met his gaze, smiled. “You really were my hero tonight, Kane.”

  “And you are ours,” he responded, putting a hand on Eli’s shoulder. “Stay safe.”

  “You, too.” She opened the door, stood on the threshold, watching as they walked to the car. She looked lonely, her shoulders bowed, her face pale, and Kane was tempted to ask her to come to the hotel, join his family for a few hours. But she’d said she was going to rest, and she needed that more than she needed a boisterous family who’d shower her with thanks and praise.

  He waved, smiling as Eli shouted a loud “Happy Thanksgiving” as he climbed into the SUV. Eli’s fear and confusion seemed to be receding. Slowly and subtly, but definitely receding. It was something else to be thankful for, and Kane found himself humming along with the radio as he pulled away from Edith’s house and headed back to the hotel.

  NINE

  “You can’t hide in your apartment forever. So get up, get dressed and get to church,” Maggie muttered to herself as she slapped the off button on the alarm clock and forced herself out of bed.

  She’d spent the past two days locked away from the world, and it was time to face it again. No matter how much she didn’t want to.

  And she didn’t.

  What she wanted to do was shove her still-packed suitcase into her car and drive away from her troubles.

  Unfortunately, that wouldn’t get Derrick thrown in jail where he belonged. The only way to defeat him was to draw him out. To do that, Maggie had to stay exactly where she was.

  So she was staying.

  And she was going to live her life the way she had for three years, do the things she’d always done. That included attending church.

  She took a shower and dressed quickly, choosing a simple black skirt and a long-sleeved button-down shirt. She pulled her hair up into a ponytail, swept blush along her cheeks and dabbed on a tinted lip gloss.

  Her shoulder still ached, and she winced as she pulled on her coat. She hesitated at the door, her hand on the knob. Justin was in jail, and the sheriff had told her Thursday that Derrick was still in Miami. She’d heard nothing different since then, and she had no reason to doubt the sheriff’s information. She was safe for now.

  At least she hoped she was safe.

  The house was silent as she stepped out onto the landing and walked down the steps. Edith had probably left for church an hour ago. As the church pianist, she was often the first to arrive and one of the last to leave the building. It seemed today was no different.

  Bright sunlight and fresh air lifted Maggie’s spirits, and she hummed a tune as she got in the Ford. Soon, the first snow would fall in the mountains, covering their distant peaks with white powder. Whereas Miami had been hot and filled with bright colors and vibrant life, Washington was cool and dry, its pallet of colors muted. Quieter, more subtle and somehow more comforting. It suited Maggie. If any place had ever been home, this was it.

  Maybe that’s why she was so determined to stay.

  Or maybe she was simply tired of running, tired of hiding, tired of wondering if her past were lurking just around the corner, waiting to jump out and snag her again.

  She frowned, pulling into the parking lot of Starr Road Christian Church. The building that housed it was as unpretentious as the people who made up the congregation. One-story with weathered wood siding, it had seemed like the kind of church that might be willing to welcome Maggie when she’d arrived in town three years ago. Weary, worn and tarnished, Maggie hadn’t felt she’d belonged in the fancy churches she’d visited, but Starr Road had seemed as weary as she was, the building timeworn and comfortable. When she’d stepped inside, she’d felt the warmth of the people, had seen nothing but understanding and acceptance in their eyes. She had returned again and again. Now, the church was her family.

  She stepped out of the car and smiled at an elderly couple who were slowly making their way across the parking lot. Several other people were meandering toward the door, and Maggie joined them, talking and smiling and acting for all the world like it was any ordinary Sunday.

  “Glad to see you made it today,” Judith Blanchard said as she joined the small group. Fifty-something with salt-and-pepper hair and a gruff, sometimes overbearing attitude, Judith was the kind of person who wasn’t afraid to share her opinion or her faith. She also wasn’t above a little gossiping if she thought what she was saying was in the best interest of the church community.

  “Thank you.” Maggie kept her reply simple, not wanting to encourage questions or comments about the past week. She knew that news of her ordeal had spread. As a matter of fact, she’d spent most of her two days at home answering phone calls and reassuring people that she was all right.

  “I was worried you might still be recovering from that gunshot wound.”

  “It’s much better. Thanks for your concern.”

  “Heard it was that Justin boy who shot you. Heard he wanted to steal some cash from your place and you fought him off, beat him down and he resented it.”

  “What?” Surprised, Maggie stopped in her tracks, and the entire group stopped with her. “You’re kidding, right?”

  “I think you know me well enough to know I’m not much of a kidder. I’m telling you like it was told to me.”

  “By whom?”

  “Cynthia Whitmore. She’s does my hair once a month. She’s the only one I trust to perm it.” Judith patted her tightly curled hair.

  “Well, she’s exaggerated the story. I didn’t fight Justin off. He took a shot at me outside my house. I ran inside and called the police.”

  “That’s it?”

  “That’s it.”

  “Not nearly as exciting as Cynthia made it out to be.” Judith scowled, and Maggie couldn’t help smiling.

  “I knew you had it wrong all along, Judith,” Karen Mit-ford said, her petite figure nearly vibrating with excitement. “It wasn’t Maggie who fought off Justin. It was that good-looking Kane Dougherty. The one who’s been in the news because of being reunited with his son.”

  “Now why would Maggie be hanging around with the likes of Kane Dougherty?” Judith huffed, and Karen leaned closer into the group, glancing around as if Maggie weren’t standing right there with her, listening to every word.

  “The way I hear it, he’s got a soft spot for our Maggie.”

  “Karen, why would you say something like that?” Maggie asked, her cheeks heating.

  “Because that’s what Mimi Lesnever said. Her husband is a deputy with the sheriff’s office, and he was there when Justin tried to kill you the second time. He told Mimi that Kane Dougherty is sweet on you.”

  “Well, he’s wrong,” Maggie responded, not nearly as amused as she’d been a few minutes before.

  Kane sweet on her?

  It was laughable.

  So, why wasn’t Maggie laughing?

  “But Richard Lesnever is a man, dear. And men know these kinds of things about each other. So, if he says Kane Dougherty is—”

  “He is not sweet on me.”

  “My! Someone is defensive,” Judith cut in, and Maggie wished she’d done wh
at she wanted to and stayed in bed.

  “Look, ladies, I know it’s fun to speculate about my love life, but since I don’t actually have one, how about we talk about something else?”

  “Ms. Tennyson!” A young voice called out, and it sounded just like Eli’s. Only there was no way Eli could be at church.

  Was there?

  She turned, scanning the parking lot, and nearly bolted when she saw Eli walking toward her, his father close to his side.

  Kane in bright daylight was something to behold. He wore a sports coat, dark slacks and a pale-green dress shirt, and he hadn’t bothered with a tie. The top button of the shirt was open, revealing just a hint of tawny skin. He should have looked professional and a little boring, but somehow managed to look Herculean.

  And Maggie was sure she heard the group that surrounded her heave a collective sigh.

  “Eli! Kane! What are you doing here?” She walked forward to meet them, knowing that every word she said was being heard and judged by some of the nosiest women in the church.

  “I called around to find a good church to attend,” Kane said. “This is where I ended up.”

  “You called Edith, didn’t you?”

  “Guilty as charged.” He smiled, and Maggie was surprised none of the ladies noticeably swooned.

  “Well, it’s good to see you both. You’re looking very handsome, Eli.”

  “I wanted to wear jeans, but Dad wouldn’t let me.” Eli frowned, shifting uncomfortably in his dress pants and button-up shirt.

  “That’s okay. You’ll fit right in with the rest of the kids.”

  “I don’t think I will. Dad said church was good for us, but I don’t think he’s right.”

  “Why not?”

  “Because it’s boring.”

  “Have you been before?”

  “No.”

  “Then how do you know it’s boring?”

  “Because it probably is.”

  “Eli, we had this conversation back at the hotel, and we agreed we’d give church a try,” Kane said calmly, offering Maggie an apologetic smile.

  “You said we were coming, but I didn’t want to. I wanted to stay with Grandma and Grandpa and Aunt Jenna.”

  “You know Aunt Jenna wasn’t feeling well, and Grandma and Grandpa were taking her to the doctor.”

  “I could have gone with them if you’d let me.” Eli’s protest didn’t have much heat, but it surprised Maggie anyway. In the time she’d known him, Eli had never been anything but cooperative. Shy and sweet, he’d always been eager to please.

  “I’m sure that your father didn’t want you to hang around a doctor’s office for hours.”

  “They were going to the emergency room. I think that would have been cool. Cooler than church.”

  “Is your sister okay?” Maggie asked, ignoring Eli’s comment and shooting a look in Kane’s direction. The last thing the family needed was a serious illness.

  “She has a stomach bug, and my parents are concerned that she’s dehydrated.”

  “I’ll be praying that she feels better.”

  “We could all go to the hospital, then we’d know she was feeling better,” Eli said.

  “We’re not going to the hospital, Eli.” Kane sounded weary.

  “But—”

  “I used to think church was boring, too,” Maggie cut in, hoping to diffuse things.

  “You did?” Eli looked at her with his father’s eyes, and Maggie’s heart melted. He was young and confused and doing everything he could to regain some control over his life.

  “Sure. So did my mom and my grandmother. ‘Church is for people who’ve got nothing better to do,’ that’s what they always said. I thought they were right until I decided to try it one Sunday, then I realized it was for everyone. Even kids like you.”

  “I still would rather go to the emergency room.”

  “I’m sure you would, but since you’re here, maybe we can sit together. If that’s okay with your father.”

  “I don’t have a problem with it. As a matter of fact, Eli and I were hoping to run into you here today. Weren’t we, sport?”

  This time Maggie was absolutely sure she heard a sigh come from behind her. She glanced over her shoulder and saw that several women were still watching intently.

  She speared them with a look she hoped would send them running for the church. Instead, it seemed to amuse them. Their laughter carried across the parking lot as they hurried into the building, and Kane raised an eyebrow.

  “Friends of yours?”

  “Admirers of yours.”

  “Yeah?” He put a hand on her lower back, urging her toward the building.

  “They saw you on the news and heard the harrowing tale of how you saved me from Justin.”

  “Probably embellished liberally.”

  “What’s to embellish? You saved my life, and they heard about it and were duly impressed.”

  “Nice, but there’s only one lady here I’m interested in impressing. Want to guess who she is?” He grinned, his eyes flashing with green fire, and Maggie’s mouth went dry, her heart skipped a beat and she knew she was in big, big trouble.

  “I’ve never been very good at guessing games.”

  “I’m good at them, and I guess that he wants to impress you, Ms. Tennyson,” Eli said, and Kane’s grin broadened.

  “The service is starting. We’d better hurry up.” No way was she going to acknowledge Kane’s question, and no way was she going to think about Eli’s response.

  The sanctuary was a long room set up with lines of folding chairs. Maggie made her way to three seats and took the one farthest from the aisle, patting the seat beside her as Eli hesitated. “Come on. I don’t bite.”

  “You’re not boring, either, but I still think church is going to be.” He sat, glancing around the crowded building as Kane took the seat beside him.

  “What do we do now?” Eli asked, his question barely carrying over the chatter of the members and visitors.

  “We sit for a few minutes. Then Ms. Edith will play piano, and we’ll sing a few songs and pray for people who need help. The pastor will say a few things, and then it will be over.”

  “Oh.” Eli frowned, and Maggie knew he was probably thinking that church was going to be just as boring as he’d imagined it would be.

  “There’s a children’s church if you and your father think you should go.” Maggie looked at Kane, and he gave a subtle shake of his head.

  So, children’s church was out.

  She searched through her purse, pulled out a pen and handed it to Eli. “Hold on, I’ll go get some paper from the children’s church room and you can draw some pictures while you listen.”

  “I don’t wa—”

  “Eli, Ms. Tennyson is being very patient with you, but my patience is wearing thin. Whether or not you want to be here, you are. You may as well make the best of it.” Kane spoke with quiet authority, and Eli had the good grace to look contrite.

  “I’m sorry,” he said, looking at Maggie rather than his father. “I’d like some paper, please.”

  “I’ll be right back.” Maggie started to stand, and Kane stood with her, stepping out into the aisle before she could move.

  “I’ll get it. I’m closer anyway. Just point me in the right direction.”

  “Out the door and up the hall. Children’s church is the second room on the left.” She gestured to the door they’d entered, and Kane nodded.

  “Okay.” But instead of walking away, he stood where he was, studying her intently.

  “What?”

  “I was just noticing how breathtakingly beautiful you are.” He didn’t even smile as he said it, and Maggie’s cheeks blazed.

  “Maybe I should get the paper after all,” she said, ready to hurry up the aisle and away from Kane’s charm.

  “No need to run away, Maggie. Compliments aren’t dangerous.”

  They were when they came from a man like him.

  But she wasn’t going to tell K
ane that.

  “I’m not running. Church is going to start soon, and if Eli is going to have something to color on, one of us needs to get the paper.”

  “Right.” This time Kane did smile, and Maggie’s heart did a backflip. Twice.

  “Look, Kane—”

  “I’ll get the paper. You’re going to stay with Eli while I’m gone, right?”

  “Of course.” She’d stay even though what she really wanted to do was exactly what Kane had said—run. Back to her apartment and her quiet, orderly life.

  “You know what, Ms. Tennyson?” Eli said as she sat down, his green eyes staring straight into hers.

  “What?”

  “My dad is right.”

  “About you making the best of things?”

  “No. About you being beautiful.”

  “Oh, Eli, that’s so sweet of you to say.” She smiled, ruffling his hair and trying to forget how she’d felt when his father had said the same words.

  “Do you think my father is handsome?”

  Surprised, she took a hard look at Eli. He looked as innocent as a nine-year-old could be, his expression guileless. “Why do you ask?”

  “Well, he thinks you’re beautiful. If you think he’s handsome then maybe you guys could date. Then I could see you more often.”

  “Your father and I have only known each other a few days. We certainly aren’t going to start dating.”

  “How long do you need to know someone before you do start dating?”

  In Maggie’s case, a lifetime.

  “It depends on the people.”

  “With you and my dad, how long do you think it will take?”

  The first strains of the call to worship interrupted the conversation before Maggie could respond, and she settled into her seat, relieved to have an excuse to end the conversation.

  “We have to be quiet now. The service is starting,” she whispered.

  “Okay.” And he sounded so disappointed that Maggie wanted to pull him into a bear hug and tell him that he could see her any time he wanted to.

  She didn’t, of course.

  Instead, she grabbed a hymnal from beneath the chair, stood with the rest of the congregation and urged Eli to do the same. They were on the second stanza when Kane returned. He had paper in one hand and a fistful of crayons in the other, and he set everything on Eli’s chair before moving close to Eli and joining in the singing.