“Mm, okay. Let me decide what I’m hungry for.”
“Oh, wait, Logan, that’s not going to work.” Marilee suddenly remembered her schedule. She had agreed to meet her mother after school and they planned to drive into Chicago and check out a photographer for the wedding. “Tonight’s not good. Mom and I have something to do. How ‘bout tomorrow night?”
“Tomorrow’s okay.” He stood. “I’ll just have to starve tonight.”
“Oh, sure. Make me feel guilty.”
He chuckled as he took a few steps backwards. “I have to get going. Chapel starts in less than twenty minutes. I’ll talk to you later.”
“Bye, Logan.” Since chapel services were held Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for the high school students, Logan was obligated to sit in on them although he often did the preaching. “I’ll call you later.”
He gave her a wink before pivoting and walking toward the side doors of the building.
* * *
Allie explained the situation with the security personnel at Arbor Springs and then offered Jack the job. “You’d be terrific,” she added. “Since you’re a police officer, you’ve got the credibility―”
“Ex-police officer,” Jack cut in.
“Same difference.”
He grinned. “I don’t know.”
“Will you think about it? Pray about it?”
“Allie, I don’t want to be your friend,” he said, rising from the chair. “I don’t want to be your coworker and I definitely don’t want to be your subordinate.”
“In that case, I don’t understand,” she replied, feeling a bit wounded. “Why are you here? Why the roses?”
Jack took a step forward and in one smooth gesture, pushed Allie’s hair aside and placed the palm of his hand against her scarred cheek. “I still love you, Allie. I’ve always loved you.” His hand moved to the back of her head and he pulled her close. Too close and yet Allie didn’t want to pull away.
He lowered his mouth to hers and as the kiss deepened, something of a thrill passed through Allie. She slipped her arms around his neck. Jack trailed kisses across her cheek and down her neck. She murmured softly.
But then all too soon reality gave her a forceful nudge.
She inhaled sharply and pushed him away. “We shouldn’t be doing this.”
“Why not?”
“I’m at work, and―”
“Felt right as rain to me. Do you know that I’ve dreamed about kissing you like that?”
It had felt as right as rain to Allie too. ”That’s about the most romantic thing anyone has ever said to me.”
Jack grinned. “It’s the truth.”
Lowering her gaze, Allie was suddenly at a loss for words.
“Listen,” he said, “if you want to take things one step at a time, then…well, it’s fine by me. We ought to pray as we go. You were right. And maybe you were right about my ‘unyielding demands’ too.”
She stared at him intently, hopefully.
“Let’s just say I don’t want to make the same mistake twice, okay?”
“Okay.” She couldn’t keep from smiling.
They stood there, captive in each other’s regard, for several lingering moments.
Finally, Allie tore her gaze away. “What do you think about training Arbor Springs’ security personnel?”
Jack blew out a breath. “Let me think about it. I’ll try to put some sort of outline together. That’ll give me a better idea how much trouble I’m getting myself into.”
Allie rolled her eyes and shook her head at him, smiling all the while.
“But right now…” Jack glanced at his wristwatch. “I’ve got to hit the road. This morning after my niece talked me into buying you flowers, my brother talked me into meeting him for lunch.”
“Oh, Jack, you poor man. Your family members are absolutely heartless.”
He smirked.
Laughing, Allie opened her office door. They exited her small workspace and casually strode into the lobby.
“I’ll call you later.” He made the rest of his way to the double glass doors.
“Bye, Jack.”
She watched him go, but as she turned she met the gaze of the gruff security guard. He scowled at her, but she didn’t take it personally. With the proper instruction, the guy might be professionally daunting instead of just plain boorish.
Chapter Twenty-six
A chilling wind blew off Lake Michigan on Friday evening as Logan and his cousin Rick set up the net for a volleyball game. It would be dark in an hour, so while volunteers grilled hotdogs and prepared the rest of their picnic supper, the teens opted for a quick volleyball game. Logan went along with it, figuring it’d get their blood moving and keep them warm until the bonfire was lit.
His athletic shoes sunk into the sand as he sidestepped and tied the net onto the pole. With that done, he glanced up and down the beach but still didn’t see Marilee. He couldn’t imagine that she would forget about tonight. Logan and his staff had planned this event for months. They had recruited teens, and a good amount had showed up. So where was she?
After a time of musing, Logan figured the reason he didn’t know Marilee’s whereabouts was probably as much his fault as hers. With their busy schedules, they hadn’t said more than a few words to each other since Monday morning. He’d never made it over to her place for dinner because he’d had to sit in on counseling meeting with one of the teens in his youth group. Not only were there issues at work to contend with, but for the past four nights after work he had driven the distance to Arbor Springs and visited his natural mother. Each night she grew more and more depressed, saying she wished she were dead. Logan talked to her about Jesus and read to her from the Bible, but his efforts had seemed in vain. He was at the point of giving up.
Now that the volleyball net was secured in place, Logan put his thumb and forefinger into his mouth and blew out a shrill of a whistle. The teens stopped their chattering and gathered around him.
“We’re going to form two teams,” Logan told the kids. “It’s Army verses Navy. Start counting off, every other one of you is Army, the other Navy.”
The teenagers counted off. Army. Navy. Army. Navy. At last the teams faced each other on opposite sides of the net.
“Which team are you going to be on, Pastor Callahan?” Sabina Lewis’s red hair blew across her face. She quickly pushed it back. “I want to be on your team.”
“I’m the coach…otherwise known as the drill sergeant,” Logan replied diplomatically. “I won’t play since the teams are uneven.”
The girl pouted.
Ignoring it, Logan picked up the volleyball. Sabina walked away.
“Don’t worry, Cuz.” Veronica came up behind him. “I’ll protect you from all these insipid females since Marilee isn’t here.”
He gave her a hooded glance. “You wouldn’t happen to know anything about that, would you?”
Ronnie shook her head. “Haven’t seen her today, and I just got here.”
“Glad you could make it.”
She grabbed the ball out of Logan’s hands. “Me too…and look behind you.”
He swung around to see a car-full of kids heading their way. Logan turned back to his cousin with a questioning stare.
“I invited a bunch of people from school…people who aren’t Christians. And they actually agreed to come.”
“That’s great!” Logan smiled. “Ronnie, I’m proud of you.”
She shrugged. “The Lord prompted me and I obeyed…but I was a little scared, I’ll admit it.” Veronica stepped closer so as not to be overheard. “Two of these girls have been picking on me since last year. You wouldn’t believe the names they’ve called me and the lies they’ve told about me.”
Logan winced. “Why didn’t you say something?”
“Because I thought it would only make things worse.”
His heart went out to her.
“But it doesn’t matter anymore. Listen to this, a couple of days ago at lunc
h, it was like I just totally gave into the Holy Spirit and I walked right up to Lindsay and Pam. I felt like God did all the talking through me. But then almost fell over when they both said they’d come. I couldn’t believe it.” Veronica shook her head in amazement and her hair swung back and forth over her slender shoulders. “It was weird. I never experienced anything like it!”
“That’s awesome.” Had he ever seen Ronnie so enthusiastic? And that she was stirred by something spiritual encouraged him―so much so that he forgot about how miffed he was over Marilee’s absence.
The other kids showed up and Ronnie introduced them to Logan. He didn’t miss the note of pride in her voice when she added, “We’re cousins, but he’s like my older brother.”
The teens from Ronnie’s high school said they wanted to play, so Logan divided them up onto teams. This made room enough for him to participate, so he chose the Navy side to make things even. He got in line for the rotation and right in front of him stood a grinning Sabina Lewis.
“All right!” she said. “This is going to be a great night!” She bent her knees and lifted her arms as if she were a cheerleader. “Whoo-hoo!”
Logan burst out laughing. It was nice to know he’d made someone’s day.
* * *
Allie sat in the restaurant waiting for Jack. He’d asked her out to dinner tonight and she accepted, hoping to convince him to sign on with Lakeland Enterprises. Unfortunately, he was late, but not by much.
Adding a packet of honey to her cup, she stirred her hot tea with a spoon and thought about Cynthia Matlock. Allie had promised Logan she’d check on her before leaving for the weekend. Sadly, Cynthia’s condition hadn’t changed all week. She was still very depressed and in a lot of pain. No amount of medication seemed to alleviate it. Julie, the brand new second shift supervisor in that ward, said she’d phone Cynthia’s doctor and see if he would prescribe a high dose or a different brand of painkiller.
“Well, well, look who’s here.”
Allie glanced up from her steaming teacup. Brenda stood in front of the table. She forced a smile at her stepsister. “Hi, how’re you?”
“Just groovy.”
Allie noticed the square Styrofoam take-out container in Brenda’s one had, and the glass of golden liquid in the other. She wore no cosmetics, only a mask of contention. Coupled with her bold stance and rough-and-tumble attire, Allie had a feeling that Brenda would like nothing better than to pick a fight.
“Mind if I join you?” Without waiting for an answer, Brenda sat down across from her.
“Is your husband with you?”
“Nope. I’m here with some girlfriends from work.” She thumbed over her shoulder. The sleeves of her black T-shirt were rolled up and she looked like she’d just stepped off the set of Grease. “They’re next door…in the bar. I just came in here to get my carryout order. Great fish-fries at this place.”
“Good to know. Thanks.”
“We stop over there every Friday night after work for a few beers. What about you? You waiting for somebody or are you alone?”
“Waiting for somebody.”
“Lemme guess.” Brenda took a gulp of beer. She reclined in the chair and crossed one blue-jean encased leg over the other. “You’re waiting for Jack.”
“That’s right.”
Brenda shook her head. “Some guys never learn, do they?”
Allie ignored the barb and sipped her tea.
“It would serve you right if Jack stood you up.” Her snide tone was unmistakable.
“Look, Brenda, you can join your friends in the bar any time. You’re under no obligation to keep me company.”
“What, are you ashamed to be seen with me―you in your expensive suit and me in my grubby factory clothes?”
“Not at all.”
Brenda smirked. “Don’t lie. You really think you’re Miss Highandmighty, don’t you? Well, I’ve got news for you. You’re the same spoiled, selfish brat that you were when we were kids.”
Allie closed her eyes against the tirade. Lord, please shut this woman up. I’m tired and I don’t feel very diplomatic at the moment.
“You and your country club religion.” Brenda raised a brow. “You’re on a first name basis with God. Aren’t you special?!”
Allie didn’t reply, but glanced in the direction of the doorway. She hoped to see Jack, but he wasn’t anywhere to be found.
“I’m glad your husband slashed your cheek. You probably deserved it.”
The comment caused Allie to lose her patience. “Are you really that ignorant? No woman deserves to be abused. And you know what else? I think you are the spoiled and selfish brat. You’ve got a lot of growing up to do.”
Pure, unadulterated hatred flash across Brenda’s hardened features as she threw the remainder of her beer in Allie’s face. The cold liquid stung Allie’s eyes and she grappled for her linen napkin. Finding it, she dabbed her face before mopping her silk blouse, now stained and ruined. When she glanced across the table, Brenda smiled with satisfaction.
Allie set down the napkin and stood. “You just proved my point.” Lifting her coat and purse off the adjacent chair, she mustered her dignity and made her way out of the restaurant.
“See ya, Sis,” Brenda called on a malicious note. “And don’t worry, I’ll let Jack know you left.”
Allie refused to answer. Continuing toward the red, neon EXIT sign, she paused at the cashier counter and instructed the hostess to charge her cup of tea to Brenda.
“She’s the woman sitting right over there.” Allie pointed through the restaurant.
Brenda had the audacity to wave, and the hostess nodded.
Allie walked out the door. She turned left on the sidewalk, and stepped off the curb, walking to her car. All the while, she fished in her purse for her cell phone, hoping to get a hold of Jack.
“Allie!”
She paused and turned on her heel, hearing his voice. Although night had fallen, she could see his approaching form through the well-lit parking lot.
“Sorry I’m late.” He jogged to catch up with her. “You’re not leaving, are you?”
“Yeah, I had a little run-in with Brenda.”
Jack wrinkled his nose. “You smell like a brewery. What happened?”
“My darling younger sister tossed her beer in my face.” Allie hoped to hide her anger, hurt, and humiliation in the quip.
“She did…what?” Jack slid his gaze toward the restaurant before his eyes rested on Allie again. “You’re kidding, right?”
She shook her head as her heart swelled with remorse. “Oh, Jack, she hates me.”
“I’ll be right back.”
“No!” Allie caught the sleeve of his leather jacket as he took a step toward the restaurant. “You’ll only make things worse if you go in there and confront her. Brenda’s drunk and she’s looking for a fight.”
“Good. I’ll give her the fight of her life.”
“Forget it, Jack. She’s not worth it.”
Taking Allie by the shoulders, he bent slightly forward and peered into her face. She suddenly felt like a vulnerable little girl and she bit her lower lip in effort to forestall the threatening tears.
“I’ve been a cop for thirty-three years. Don’t you think I know how to handle a drunk?”
“Yes, but―”
“Go home.” His gentle voice made Allie feel like crying all the more. “Shower and change, and I’ll meet you in the lobby of the hotel.”
She didn’t want to comply, but Jack was a responsible adult who knew his own mind. Besides, the beer’s residue made Allie feel grimy. A shower and a change of clothes was exactly what she wanted.
Getting into her car, she placed the key in the ignition and gave it a turn. Jack strode purposely for the restaurant and, in some small way, Allie felt sorry for her stepsister.
* * *
Marilee gripped the steering wheel as frustration coursed through her. Why had she raced out of the house, forgetting her cell phone? Sh
e could have called Logan an hour ago.
A car’s horn blared from somewhere to the left of her. Like that would do any good. I-90 was a virtual parking lot, and Marilee caught up in the worse traffic jam ever. Worse, she had no way to call Logan to say she’d be late―very late. She couldn’t even exit and use a pay phone. All lanes were jammed with others trying to merge. There seemed no way out.
Regret filled her being. Logan would be so disappointed when he learned that she’d dashed off to meet her mother and purchase the bride’s maids’ gifts. She chided herself for allowing Mom to talk her into meeting her in Chicago this afternoon. However, last Monday they’d discovered a quaint little shop on Michigan Avenue that just happened to offer fifty percent off some beautiful and unique sterling silver pendants that would make perfect gifts for the bride’s maids. The sale ran through today and due to other appointments in the week, neither Marilee nor her mother could make the trip…until today. Unfortunately, Marilee’s plans to make it back in time for the bonfire hadn’t panned out. She hadn’t counted on getting stuck in traffic.
The vehicles in front of her began to move. They gained speed and Marilee felt like she was making some progress as she rounded a curve. But then brake lights up ahead signaled another standstill. She slowed and stopped just a little too close to the car ahead of her. She groaned aloud and, again, she wished she had her cell phone.
As Marilee glanced in her rearview mirror she spotted a red pick-up truck rounding the same curve she’d just passed. She expected that it would slow down as it approached. But seconds later it became frighteningly apparent that the driver wasn’t paying attention.
Panicked, Marilee gave her steering wheel a sharp turn, intending to pull onto the shoulder and get out of harm’s way. However, her bumper collided with the car in front of her, stalling her progress. Tires squealed, giving way to grinding, twisting metal, and shattering glass. Pain exploded through her midsection, while her car careened out of control. It finally smashed into the cement median like a wave against a rocky cliff. Marilee’s world went black.
Chapter Twenty-seven
Just as Logan stuffed the last of his hotdog into his mouth, his cell phone rang. He groaned with his mouth full, and the kids sitting around him at the picnic table laughed. In one quick move, he removed his phone from his pocket and handed it to Ronnie, motioning her to answer it for him.
Broken Things (Faded Photograph Series) Page 27
