LOVE in a Small Town

by Janet Eaves

  “Cold?” he asked quietly.

  She looked up, catching his smile. “No. It feels nice.”

  On the fall of dusk, they walked in lazy silence across the emptying streets. All around them the sounds of the day were dissipating, the smells lingering. A cluster of revelers held fast at the bingo table. Sleepy toddlers laid their heads on daddies’ shoulders as they started for home.

  Kate glanced sideways at Michael and knew what she needed, no wanted. Time alone with him. Without twenty-five kids surrounding them, or a crowd of people looking on. She needed to talk to him about her pain, her fears, and her explosive feelings for him.

  But when?

  Turning, she watched his profile as he stared ahead, perhaps also engrossed in thought. She had to wonder what direction his thoughts were taking him. Was he thinking about what came next, about challenging the demons that seemed to haunt them both? They walked in silence, and in no time reached her front door.

  “Michael?”

  He searched her face, reached out and brushed a stray strand of hair away, and tenderly traced her cheek with the back of a finger. One corner of his mouth turned up in a slight grin.

  “I have some things to deal with,” she told him. “And I will.” His fingers nestled at the base of her neck. “What I mean is, there are things I need to talk about…with you. Could we do that?”

  Michael drew her close, cradling her against him and laid a soft kiss atop her head. “I want whatever will make you feel better about us,” he whispered back. “I don’t want to lose you before I have you.”

  She fell into the warmth of his chest and clung to him. After a moment, she lifted her face to peer into the deep recesses of his eyes. Gently, she kissed his lips and then turned to let herself into the house.

  She hesitated at the door. “Goodnight, Michael,” she whispered. “See you soon.” He planted a soft kiss on the end of her nose and stepped away.

  Chapter Fourteen

  “I haven’t seen you in over a week, Lehmann. What’s going on?”

  Michael stared past Jenkins’ head and drew in a deep breath. He knew deep in his gut he’d been slipping up. Rob Carpenter had not been at the forefront of his thoughts for days—his wife was taking up too much of his head.

  “No word on Carpenter. Seems to be no activity. We think they’re either up to something, or they know we’re up to something. We need a buy, or we need Carpenter. We can’t come up with either.”

  Jenkins stared. Michael lowered his gaze to meet his.

  “You’re tripping up Lehmann.”

  “Sir?”

  “With the woman.”

  “Sir. I’m not.”

  He peered with intent, his stare unmoving. “You’re getting too close.”

  A nervous tic plagued his right eye. “You said whatever it takes.”

  “Yeah, and that means you keep the emotion out of it. I’m putting someone else on her. I need you in the field. You’re too close and they’re screwing up out there.”

  Alarm coursed through his body. “No. Sir.”

  Jenkins cocked a brow. “No?”

  Michael broke the rigid stance of his body and leaned into Jenkins’ desk, placing both palms flat against it. Not once in his career had he dared to buck a superior officer, but he was about to now. He’d be damned if anyone else was going to get close to Kate. He’d be goddamned. “What I mean, sir, is that would be a mistake. I’m just getting to know the Carpenter woman. I’m trying to get close to her, don’t you see? That way I’m hoping that I can get her to confide in me. Like you said. Anything it takes, right?”

  He risked a cocky grin at Jenkins, and knew what he was implying was unethical as hell, but he had to keep Kate to himself. Keep her safe. For one, another officer may not be as much a gentleman as he, and for the other, if he was pulled off the DARE assignment, he’d have no excuse to see her.

  Or Danny.

  Jenkins’ eyes narrowed. “All right, Lehmann. But don’t screw up. You’re getting too fucking close. And Thompson really is screwing things up in the field. Talk to him. He needs a buy soon. Get the information you need then get the hell out. I’m tired of this thing dragging along. It’s about time for the media to hit on it again. And you know what happens every time they do, we get a crackpot or two who thinks they can play sniper and gun down a cop and get away with it. Find that son-of-a-bitch Carpenter and wrap this thing up. Now!”

  Michael straightened his body. “I’m doing everything I can, sir.”

  “You better be.”

  “I won’t let you down.”

  “Then don’t. The next time that sniper’s gun might be aimed between your eyes.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  On Monday, Danny was absent from school. When Kate called his foster parents’ home to inquire, there was no answer. Normally, she wouldn’t be concerned, but seeing that it was Danny, something in her gut told her there was trouble.

  Maybe he’s sick. Maybe they went shopping for new clothes. Maybe they went out of town to visit relatives. Maybe….

  Anxious, she glanced over her students, noted the empty desk, and wondered what was going on. The home/school liaison had tried to make contact to no avail. Finally, they broke down and called his social worker. Still no luck.

  Danny was missing—and she’d had two more of the phone calls.

  No wonder she was nervous and jittery.

  At one-thirty, her students went to gym class. Why could no one give her answers? Why was one child so hard to find? “I’m not going to sit here any longer and wonder,” she muttered. “I’ll call myself.”

  In the counselor’s office, she dialed the social worker’s number.

  “Mark Jamieson, please.” Country music crooned back at her. The phone clicked.

  “Jamieson.”

  “Mr. Jamieson? This is Kate Carpenter at Legend Elementary. Danny Jackson’s teacher? I’m a little concerned about him. I know our liaison contacted you earlier, but…”

  “Mrs. Carpenter, I’m aware of the situation. There’s not a lot I can tell you. I’ve called the Elliston’s, Danny’s foster family. I even stopped by there late this morning. No one was home. There’s nothing I can do until this afternoon. All of the other kids in their care are at school today, I’ve already checked. I’m hoping later that someone will have answers. Until then, we wait.”

  Kate sighed. At least he was working on it. “You really think everything’s all right?”

  “I’m sure it’s fine.”

  She bit her lip. “Mr. Jamieson, how well do you know the Elliston’s?”

  “Actually, not well. I’ve not had other children in my case load placed with them. They’ve only been in the system about a year. Moved here from out of state not long before that.” He paused for a moment. “Mrs. Carpenter, I don’t think there’s any cause for alarm.”

  “You’re sure?”

  “About as sure as I can be.”

  “Okay. You will let me know if there is news?”

  “Of course.”

  She gave him her home phone number and hung up, not feeling a whole lot relieved. Walking back to her classroom, her mind was consumed with all sorts of terrible thoughts. She crossed the room to her desk before she realized Michael was sitting behind it.

  “Kate, what’s wrong?”

  Her face must have given her away. “How did you know?”

  “I can tell. What is it?”

  “Danny is missing.” She recounted everything she knew. “I’m worried.”

  “I’m sure everything is okay, just like Mark said.”

  Leaning against the desk, she crossed her arms and shook her head. “It’s a feeling. Something is wrong.”

  Michael rose and placed his hands on both her elbows. The nearness of his body acted like an electric magnet, drawing her to him. Her chest tightened. She wanted him to hold her. Wanted to enfold herself into his body. But she didn’t move.

  Didn’t dare trust herself.

 
****

  Watching her lower lip tremble, Michael realized how worried she was—and how vulnerable. His eyes met her emerald orbs, which were softened by a glaze of tears. His heart ached. If only she would let him help her. If only he could hold her and whisper into her ear and comfort her.

  His fingers traveled the length of her arms, inching her body closer to his.

  “Don’t worry,” he breathed, and raised a forefinger to swipe away a tear.

  “It’s hard not to worry.”

  “I know. I’ll see what I can do. We’ll drive over to the Elliston’s after school and see for ourselves. Would that make you feel better?”

  She shook her head again. “Do you mind?”

  His peered into her eyes. His finger traced the trail of her tear, his hand cupped her cheek. “Not at all.” He moved closer.

  The first student hit the door and Michael jumped. Abruptly, Kate turned her back to the door and retreated behind her desk.

  “Trooper Lehmann!” A student squealed in delight. “What are you doing here today?”

  “Hey guys!” He glanced at Kate and then turned to the children to give them some attention. “I just stopped by for a moment to see how everyone was doing. I heard you sold that quilt!”

  The students chattered and Kate mentally thanked him for taking over. This last hour of school was going to be the longest.

  ****

  The cruiser slowed and then stopped in front of the house. At least someone was home, Kate observed. The screen door hung ajar, the inside door stood open. A child cried nearby. She and Michael walked up the crumbling sidewalk and onto the wooden porch, careful to avoid the bowed boards and rotted steps. Michael rapped firmly on the door frame. Kate stood beside him.

  In short order, Mrs. Elliston stepped up to the door, wringing her hands on a dish towel. She mopped the sweat from her furrowed brow with the palm of her hand.

  “Good afternoon, Ma’am.” Michael tipped his hat. “I’m Trooper Lehmann and I think you know Mrs. Carpenter from Legend Elementary. Would you mind if we came in?”

  The thin-lipped woman hesitated, then eyebrows knit, she pushed the screen door open and let them pass into the hallway. It took a few seconds for Kate’s eyes to adjust, the atmosphere inside was dark and dank. What air that came through the front door did little to freshen up the interior. The walls were lined with heavy, brown wooden paneling. A musty odor surrounded them. Mrs. Elliston gestured to her left.

  Kate followed as Michael led the way. She silently prayed that Danny would be there.

  He wasn’t.

  Michael turned to the woman. “Mrs. Elliston, we’re here to see Danny.”

  Her ruddy complexion paled, the color washing out like bleach on red fabric.

  “I’m sorry, but you can’t.” She glanced toward the hallway.

  “Why?” Kate interjected, a little louder than she’d intended.

  Mrs. Elliston replied, “Why, he’s sick. He’s up in his room.”

  “Can we see him?”

  “No. He’s taken to bed with a fever. Not up for visitors.”

  Kate stepped forward. “Has he seen a doctor?” Michael laid a hand on her arm and she scowled. “There was nothing wrong with him Saturday.”

  “He don’t need one. I’m doctoring him. What he needs is rest and juice. He’ll be over it soon.”

  The woman was lying. Kate bristled. “If Danny’s not back at school tomorrow, I want you to know that I will be on your doorstep immediately afterward to see him—with his homework. He’s already getting behind. So be ready for me.”

  Michael grasped her arm a little firmer.

  She continued. “And if he’s still sick by morning, you better darn well make sure you get him to a doctor, or I’ll have you charged with neglect!”

  “Kate.”

  She turned to Michael. Her heart hammered in her chest. The gall! Not taking him to the doctor! Michael pushed her toward the door.

  “We’ll see you tomorrow afternoon.” Michael tipped his hat to the woman and ushered Kate out onto the porch.

  “She’s lying,” she whispered through her teeth.

  “Hush.”

  “I don’t like her.”

  Michael smiled toward the house and nodded to the woman on the porch, then guided her into the cruiser. He rounded the car and got in on the other side. Kate’s eyes flashed.

  “She’s…”

  “Lying. I know. The thing is, I don’t know why.” He squeezed her hand. “Don’t worry though, I’ll find out. Besides teaching elementary students, I’m a whiz at investigation.”

  ****

  “Look, Mrs. Carpenter, there’s nothing I can do. My hands are tied. He has not been reported missing. His foster mother says he’s at home in bed and unless we have proof otherwise, we have to believe her. Now, go on home and wait to see if he shows up to school tomorrow.”

  Kate placed both hands square on Mark Jamieson’s desk and leaned forward. “That woman is lying.”

  “You can’t prove that.”

  “I don’t have to prove it, I know it.”

  Jamieson looked to Michael, his gaze pleading for help. Michael shrugged his shoulders.

  “What do I have to do to convince you that everything is okay?”

  “Go over there and see if he is in that house.”

  Jamieson rose. “I’m not going to get rid of you until I do, am I?”

  “I’m not moving.”

  He let out a long, even breath. “Okay, I’m going now.”

  “Good. We’re right behind you.”

  Jamieson walked around from behind his desk and stopped short. “Oh, no you’re not.” He put one arm in his suit jacket and looked to Michael again for support.

  “We’ll wait at your house, Kate.”

  “But…”

  Michael took her by the arm. “You have her number don’t you?”

  He nodded.

  “Make sure you call the moment…”

  “He will Kate, he will.”

  ****

  Kate noticed the red light blinking on her answering machine as soon as she pushed open her back door. One solitary blink flickered back at her.

  “Do you think he’s found out something already?” Kate turned to Michael.

  “I don’t think so. He hasn’t had time to get over there and back.”

  Kate pushed the play button.

  “Mrs. C?” Danny’s voice jumped out at her. Her back shot erect as her head jerked toward the sound of the voice. “It’s Danny. I… I wanted to tell you that, well, I guess you know since I haven’t been at school that I ran away. I only had a little money, but I wanted to call you and tell you that you’re a great teacher. I guess I’ll go now. Tell Trooper Lehmann I said hi. Maybe I’ll call again later.”

  Kate stood stunned. “That woman!” She turned to Michael. “She didn’t want to tell us he’d run away! She didn’t want anyone to know.”

  “Sure seems that way. The big question now is this— Why?”

  She looked past him. “And where is he? We’ve got to find him.”

  Michael rubbed his jaw. “You stay here and wait. He’ll call again. I’ll cruise the area.” He turned to the message board magneted to her refrigerator and began writing. “If you hear anything at all, call me. Here is my cell.”

  “Do you think he’ll call again?”

  “He’s reaching out Kate, and to you. I’d bet my last dime he’ll call again. Just find me when he does, all right?”

  She nodded. “The minute you hear or see anything,” her voice softened, “you’ll let me know won’t you?”

  Michael walked toward her. “Of course I will.” Drawing her into his arms, he pulled her into him. It was a welcome and calming embrace and she breathed a heavy sigh. It felt good to be held by him, her heart next to his.

  She was upset, every muscle tense and tight, but when he put his arms around her, she felt like a warm, limp noodle cradled there at his chest. She relaxed and it felt good
to be comforted. She could get used to this.

  He pulled away and she suffered a lonely shiver.

  “I’m going now.”

  “Call me?” she pleaded.

  He nodded and smiled, then headed for the back door of the kitchen. The phone rang again and he stopped and turned.

  Kate stared at the phone.

  “It’s probably Jamieson,” Michael said.

  On the second ring she picked it up.

  “Hello?”

  The line drew silence for a few seconds.

  “Mrs. C…?”

  Danny! “Danny? Where are you?”

  The line fell silent.

  “Danny, we’ll help you. Where are you? I’m terribly worried.”

  Again a pause, then, “Will I have to go back to the hospital or the juvenile detention center?”

  Kate gulped, sensing the fear in his voice. “Not if I have anything to say about it. Where are you?”

  “Will you help?”

  “Of course. Trooper Lehmann is here too. Will you trust us?”

  A huge sigh came from the other end.

  “Whatever it is, Danny, we’ll help. Just don’t keep running. We’ll come get you. Okay?”

  A few more seconds ticked away. Traffic sounds rolled in the background. “I’m at Dairy Ice on the corner of Main and Elm in Dalton Springs. Can you hurry?”

  “Don’t move. We’ll be right there.”

  ****

  Normally the drive into Dalton Springs, a community somewhat smaller than Legend, took about thirty minutes. In Michael’s cruiser, they made it in half that time. As they pulled into the Dairy Ice parking lot, Kate sucked in a breath. Danny was nowhere in sight. Michael pulled into a parking space and she glanced about. Laying a soft hand on Michael’s arm, she said, “I’ll look.”

  “I’ll go with you.”

  Shaking her head, she replied, “No, Michael. Let me do this.” She feared Danny’s dislike of police officers. “For some reason, he’s skittish. If he ran from home, there was a reason, and I’m afraid the instinct of fear might surface when he sees you, and he’ll flee.”

  “You told him I was coming.”

  Biting her lip, she stared out the windshield. “I know, it’s just…” She angled her gaze and glanced over his uniform. Sighing, she went on, “Remember the first time he saw you? He freaked. I’m afraid.”