Tom leaned over and pecked her on the cheek. “Got a secret to tell you.”
“Okay.”
“My refusing to hire you was probably illegal. At that time, sixteen was the legal age. With your experience, you could have sued me and won.”
“What are you talking about?”
“I’m serious,” Tom said. “I think they call it gender discrimination. You were so cute. I knew I’d be in trouble if I hired you.”
“Thanks for the compliment,” she teased, amazed that two people could be so in sync. Are we really meant for each other? she asked God. Is that why You had Dad transferred there? So we would meet?
Tom ran his hand through her hair. “The deputy police chief and I are meeting tomorrow morning about that other thing.”
Pam felt the knot tighten in her stomach, but she refused to focus on it. “Thank you.”
“As a precaution, we agreed that you’ll sleep at my parents’ house this weekend. Okay?”
“Okay.”
“And when I can’t be around, you won’t go wandering any place alone. Unless, of course, we decide to set a trap. But then we’d plan it all out in advance.”
Pam wrinkled her forehead. “A trap?”
“If not now, then later. When we move you down permanently. I’d like to nail this guy quick so we can put it behind us.”
In her mind, Pam pictured all the people she loved and surrounded them with pink and white light. “Thank you,” she whispered. “And I believe God will protect us. But it’s funny.”
“What’s funny?”
“Now that I have a fairly clear picture of how the accident occurred, I’m curious about who’s behind trying to dredge it up. Do they consider it a joke? Or does someone still grieve over what happened? That would be horrible.”
“Like it’s horrible for you?”
Driving, Pam stared out into the velvet night. They’d turned off the highway ten miles ago, onto the unlit, two-lane road leading into Middleton. “I still feel responsible. Maybe it’s out of habit. Survivor’s guilt and all. But since the hypnosis, I don’t feel so paralyzed by it. If someone is still tormented like that, I hope we can help them resolve it. Even if it means that they need to confront me.”
“So long as I’m around when they do it,” Tom insisted.
Pam relished his hand kneading the tight muscles in the back of her neck. My entire professional life involves human touch, she realized. But it is my touch. My hands on my patients, fighting to save their lives. How have I managed, she wondered, for so long without someone touching me like this?
Truths Unveiled
Truths Unveiled
Chapter Twenty-Six
Deputy police chief, Bill Houser, held up a police file in the air. “Here it is.”
Determined to clear up the accident matter, Tom had spent three hours with him in the basement of the police department, plowing through box after box of old cases.
“Looks a little thin to be a double death. Doesn’t it?” Tom asked.
Nodding, Bill carried the aged, manila folder over to a dusty card table. “Let’s take a look.”
Ten minutes later, Tom leaned back in the rickety chair and chewed on the end of a pen cap. “All it says is that Ryan Collins was dangerously intoxicated and probably passed out at the wheel. The heavy rains that night washed away most of the evidence. Only skid marks, leading into the woods, remained.”
“What’s on your mind?” Houser asked.
“I can’t believe there are only three photographs. One of the crashed vehicles and one each of the deceased victims. Shouldn’t there be more?” He studied the pictures again, hoping something would catch his eye. It didn’t.
“I was out of town that entire weekend,” Houser told him. “My family put on some kind of reunion. I didn’t know about the accident until we got back home.”
“And ole Murphy, the chief back then, responded to the scene. But he’s dead now.”
Houser nodded. “Coronary. A bunch of years back.”
Baffled, Tom stood and stretched his stiff muscles. “We’ve got to be missing something. And someone seems awfully worried that we’re going to find out what it is.”
“You’re sure no one tried to contact Pam immediately after the accident?”
“So she says,” Tom answered. “And she had no reason to lie.”
“And last week is the first time since the accident that she’s come back here?”
“Yes. Whoever’s bothering her knew she was here. They knew where she was staying and how to get into her room. They also knew what to do to spook her.”
Releasing a loud breath, Tom watched the deputy earnestly scribble some notes.
Bill Houser always looked so serious. A few years older than Tom, and much more straight-laced, they didn’t travel in the same circles. Instead, Tom knew the man only through hanging around his younger brothers. Even back then, the eldest Houser in a family of eight kids talked about growing up to be a cop. After graduating high school with honors, he attended the local community college and worked part-time at the police department.
As a rookie, Bill Houser quickly earned a solid reputation as a fair, thorough and no-nonsense cop. Just what a small town needed. Last year, the town council, Tom included, unanimously appointed him the department’s number two man.
Recently, Tom had started working with Houser to develop emergency routes and procedures for rescue vehicles. Next month, Bill intended to testify before the zoning board about potential traffic flow problems if it approved Susan’s petition to build more housing developments and a mall.
“When did you say the perpetrator last contacted Pam?” Houser asked.
“Last Tuesday. At her condo in Boston.”
“Has Pam spoken to any members of Collins’ family or Megan’s family since the crash?”
Tom shook his head. “Not Collins. He’s from a few towns over. They didn’t know each other.”
“And his parents probably have their own guilt to deal with, what with Ryan being drunk and all,” Houser added. “I’ll go talk to them, but I really don’t see them holding a grudge against Pam. What about Megan’s folks?”
“Pam checked. They’re living in Florida. Her mom and Pam exchange Christmas cards. That’s about it. I think Megan’s brother may still be around somewhere. He was five years older and away at college back then. Pam didn’t really know him.”
The deputy wrote something else, then tossed down his pen. “That probably eliminates them also. Unless they were having Pam watched they wouldn’t even know she was here.” He fiddled with the end of his mustache. “The only theory I can come up with at this point is that someone feels threatened by Pam returning to Middleton.”
“And they’re using the accident to try to keep her away,” Tom finished.
His face pinched in thought, Houser nodded.
“But it’s so ridiculous! Pam’s never done anything to give anyone a reason to dislike her.” A few seconds later, he noticed the silence. He glanced in the deputy’s direction. The man stared at him intently. He looked like he wanted to say something. Then his expression changed.
“What about the other candidate for the job at the medical center?” Houser suggested. “Maybe he really wanted the position.”
Tom considered it. “It’s a possibility. Remote, but maybe? I’ll get you his name and address.”
“The only other option I can come up with is...”
Tom felt his stomach and mouth clench. It wasn’t necessary for Bill to finish the sentence.
“You know her better than any of us,” Houser reminded him. “I think you’ll agree she can be one formidable lady at times.”
“He’s got a point, Tom.”
Both men jerked around to stare at the doorway. Eddie Cartwright grinned, tipping his baseball cap. “Didn’t mean to eavesdrop. Just stopping by to see if I could give you a hand. It doesn’t take a brain surgeon to figure out who you’re referring to.”
Houser nodded. “Susan’s making no secret of the fact that she’s furious at you, Tom, for planning to lease that back parcel of land to the proposed rehab center. The last I heard, she’s filed an objection to your zoning application for the site. She plans to challenge you publicly at the next meeting.”
Tom clenched his fists to stop from smashing them on the table. Will this woman ever stop, Lord?
His sons’ faces flashed in his memory. She’s taken nearly everything from me and now this? The town needs that rehab center. And the back parcel of my farm will make a perfect location.
“It’s her revenge for your objection to the housing development she wants to build,” Eddie said.
“Add that,” Houser suggested, “to the thought of you getting cozy with Pamela Harrington, her imagined old rival. That could be enough to send her over the edge.” He paused. “I think I’ll be stopping by her house later today to ask a few questions.”
They were right, Tom confirmed. Right before Pam arrived in town last week, he and Eddie had discussed Susan’s possible reactions.
And then, she’d showed up at the restaurant.
Recalling the scene, he accidentally snapped the pencil in his hand. Frowning, he shook his head. No matter which way he looked at it, the lady was just bad news. She needed to be stopped. Now.
Truths Unveiled
Truths Unveiled
Chapter Twenty-Seven
“Do you know what kind of wedding you want?” Rebecca Cartwright asked, driving them to the closest full-sized mall.
The whole idea sounded so new, Pam could only grin and shake her head. When Rebecca had called her cell phone that Saturday morning, offering to spend the afternoon showing her around the area, Pam eagerly accepted. Tom, who needed to get back to work, was pleased when she told him.
“Big? Or small? Date? Location?”
“I guess I need to decide all that. Don’t I?”
Rebecca chuckled. “Yes. And I’ll be happy to help. Whether it’s here or in Boston. I love weddings.”
“I’d like that,” Pam assured her. And she meant it. From their first meeting over at Tom’s house, Pam had felt thrilled to find a new friend. Since Megan’s death, Pam hadn’t had a chance to make many real women friends. She knew plenty of acquaintances, but close friendships were tough. Mary Ann, a fellow intern while in med school, moved to D.C. last year when her husband transferred there. And Diane, an ED nurse, had her hands full with four kids.
“There’s a Liz Claiborne outlet here?” Pam asked, seeing a billboard. It also listed the names of other outlet stores she recognized.
“Yes,” Rebecca laughed, taking an exit. “That’s where we’re headed. It’s just about a mile away.”
“How far have we gone?”
Rebecca checked the odometer. “I’d say we’re about seventy-two miles away from home, but it’s definitely worth the ride.”
“And most of it’s highway driving,” Pam said optimistically. “The traffic in the Boston area can be brutal.” She looked out at the vast fields to her left and right. Every once in a while, they’d pass an industrial area. She could see a small housing development nearby. Otherwise, the road and the adjacent landscape looked barren.
“Well, I figured you might be a bit curious about where to do your shopping around here. I know there’s always the Internet, and the small mall outside of town isn’t bad, but lots of times I’m in the mood to hunt for bargains or just window shop.”
Delighted, Pam agreed. “I know just what you mean. I don’t usually buy a lot. I think it just helps me wind down after a long shift at the hospital.”
They arrived at the mall a few minutes after one. Pam was anxious to get to the bed and bath shop. That morning Marlene Everett had called to say she reserved one of the medical center’s apartments for her. Several units had been built nearby to accommodate visiting physicians and families of patients who lived far away. She thought it might suit Pam’s needs until the wedding.
When Pam and Rebecca stopped by the apartment on their way out of town, she found it much larger than she expected. And well furnished. She’d decided to buy new sheets and towels.
Peering into store windows, Pam said, “That was nice of Eddie’s mom to take your kids.”
Rebecca agreed, cutting the engine. “Ma’s great. Since I’ve started back at school to get my Master’s degree, she and my mom take turns helping out. Though the kids go to preschool and kindergarten, it’s only half day. I tried to schedule my classes when they’re in school and get my studying done, too, but I got stuck with one night class this term. It’s a required prerequisite, so I couldn’t put it off.” She sighed. “This fall’s been a bit of an adjustment. But then that’s what parenthood is. One wonderful and continual adjustment.”
Rebecca’s words reminded Pam of Tom’s sons. As they walked to the stores, she asked, “Is there a bookstore nearby?” Maybe she could find something about divorced families and being a stepmother.
“Sure. It’s a huge one, over on the right,” Rebecca replied. “It’s next door to a great restaurant. We can eat lunch there.”
Pam grinned. “A woman after my own heart.”
And while they ate, she could bring up the subject of Tom’s boys.
A bit later, she and Rebecca left the bath shop, where Pam had purchased two sets of thick, soft, oversized towels. One was lemon yellow. The other pale lavender. Eventually, they’d go beautifully with the grass green and white accessories she envisioned in one of the bathrooms at Tom’s house. She sighed. A new color scheme for a new bathroom in her new life.
Thank you, God, she prayed. Now, I know nothing is perfect. So I’m not even going to ask why you’ve blessed me with an ex-wife, two estranged kids and a questionable person hounding me. Instead, I want you to know I’m counting on you to help.
Without warning, Rebecca gripped her arm. “Hold on to your hat!”
“What’s wrong?”
“I’m not sure if we should pretend we don’t see her, or face her head on.”
By the time Pam caught on, the decision was already made for them.
“Well, hello ladies. I hear congratulations are in order for you, Pam. Or maybe, my condolences.”
Rebecca’s grip tightened. “Hello, Susan.”
Truths Unveiled
Truths Unveiled
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Ignoring Rebecca, Susan sneered at Pam. “So you decided to marry him. Maybe, before you set a date, you and I should have lunch one afternoon. I’d be more than happy to fill you in on what he’s really like.”
The ice in the woman’s tone matched the daggers in her eyes. If they were back in high school, maybe Pam would have felt intimidated. But here? Now? No way! This wasn’t high school, and she hadn’t spent her entire life in Middleton.
Unable to take Susan seriously, Pam smiled at the two, handsome boys. As if on cue, Rebecca introduced them.
“A.J. and Mark, please say hi to Dr. Harrington. She’s a friend of mine.”
Before either child could respond, their mother pushed them past Pam and Rebecca. “Mind your own business, Rebecca. And don’t either of you dare speak to my kids.”
After a moment, Pam and Rebecca looked at each other and burst out laughing. Walking to the next store, Rebecca apologized. “I am so sorry. This is the only decent place around to shop. Rumor has it Susie’s a shopaholic, but it never occurred to me we’d run into her here. Today.”
“Don’t be silly. It’s not your fault. Just tell me something.”
“Sure.”
“Tom proposed to me a little over forty-eight hours ago. How did Susan find out so quickly? Who could have known to be able to tell her?”
Rebecca’s eyes widened. “Oh, dear.”
“Yes?” Pam asked dryly.
She quickly shook her head. “Nothing. Let’s go in here.” She pointed to a women’s specialty store. “I need a couple of outfits. And you deserve some new things, too.”
“
Me? Why me?”
Rebecca gave her a conspirator’s wink. “Think about it. You’re a newly engaged woman, the holidays are coming, and you’ve taken a prestigious job at a prominent medical center. The social possibilities are endless.”
Puzzled, Pam tried to understand what she meant. “You mean like showers, parties, that kind of thing?”
Truths Unveiled Page 13
