The Lawman's Secret Son

by Lorraine Beatty

  “What happened? You’re scaring me. Is it about Jack?”

  “That was the lab calling. They misplaced the DNA test. We’ll have to take a new one. That means another two, maybe three, weeks until we get the results.”

  Carrie reached over and took his hand. “Oh, Seth, I’m so sorry. I was hoping this would be settled in a few days.”

  He rubbed his thumb across her hand. “Me, too. I’d convinced myself that the results would prove Jack was mine. I was ready to set up a college fund. Dumb, huh?”

  “No, not at all. I know you want an answer. It’s awful living in limbo with all these unanswered questions.”

  “That’s why I’m glad I have you. I couldn’t have done this alone.”

  “Yes, you could. Your family would have helped.”

  He nodded. “True, but it wouldn’t have been the same.” Sighing, he asked, “Would you mind if we stopped by the doctor’s office on the way home? The sooner I get this test sent out, the better.”

  “Of course not.”

  Seth gave her hand a squeeze before letting go and standing. Knowing she was on his side made everything so much easier. “Jack. Time to go, buddy.”

  Seth moved toward the little boy, smiling at the frown on his face. “I don’t think he’s ready to leave the park.” When Carrie didn’t respond, he turned and saw her staring into the distance, one hand clutching the swing chain. She looked terrified. Her usually rosy cheeks were pale and drawn, and her eyes wide.

  “Carrie?” His concern grew when she continued to stand like a statue. He could see her rapid breathing from where he stood. “Carrie.” She blinked and looked at him, but it took a moment for her to focus. He touched her shoulder and she flinched. “What’s wrong? Are you sick?” He glanced over his shoulder in the direction she’d been staring, but didn’t see anything out of the ordinary. “Talk to me.”

  She inhaled a shaky breath and shook her head. “Nothing. Really. I thought I saw...” She shook her head again. “It’s nothing.” She smiled and stepped past him. “Jack, sweetie, let’s go. We can come back another day.”

  Seth kept a close eye on Carrie as they drove home. She was withdrawn and tense. He wanted to take her home and see if he could find out what was bothering her, but he needed to get to the doctor’s office to have the DNA test taken. Thankfully, it only took a few minutes and they were on their way home again.

  “So you want to tell me what really happened back there in the park?”

  It took her a long time to reply. “I thought I saw someone. But it’s impossible. He’s...far away.”

  Seth pulled his truck to a stop under the carport behind his house and got out. After letting Jack out, he opened Carrie’s door. “Let’s have a glass of iced tea and talk. I promised sandwiches for lunch, remember?”

  Reluctantly she agreed. Seth gave her time to gather her thoughts as they worked side by side preparing ham and cheese sandwiches. He sliced the first one in half crosswise.

  “I thought I saw my brother, Neil.”

  “You said that was impossible. Why?”

  “He’s in prison.”

  Not what he’d expected. “Could he have been released?”

  “I don’t know. He wasn’t up for parole until next month.”

  “I can look into it if you want me to.”

  “No! Please. I don’t want to know anything about him. It wasn’t him today. I was wrong.”

  Her reaction alarmed him. She was shaking and pale, and she never raised her voice to anyone. A brother who was a criminal might explain a lot about Carrie’s history. “Is he the one who put you in the closet?” The truth was written in her pain-filled eyes. “And is he the reason you changed your name?”

  “How did you know about that? How many other things do you know?” She covered her face with her hands. “This can’t be happening. Not now.”

  “It’s all right. I won’t tell anyone, and the other person has been warned to keep that information to himself.”

  “How can you be sure?”

  “Because otherwise he’ll have to answer to me.”

  Carrie wiped her hands on the dish towel and picked up her purse. “I need to go home. I’m not hungry. Thanks for your help today.”

  “Carrie, don’t go. I want to understand. I want to help.”

  “You can’t. No one can. And I don’t want you to understand.”

  Seth spent much of the afternoon and evening trying to sort out Carrie’s reaction and sift through the pieces of information she’d shared since they met. He’d tried to find out about a Neil Fletcher, but came up empty. Without knowing Carrie’s birth name, he was stumped. He had the means to find out, but he wasn’t going to invade her privacy. Not until there was a reason beyond his own curiosity.

  He wanted her to trust him enough to share her past. All of it. Obviously he’d have to give her a lot more time. In the meantime, he’d keep a close watch on her. He’d never forgive himself if something happened to her.

  * * *

  Carrie sat on the sofa Wednesday evening while Jack stretched out on the floor watching the movie about cars again and fiddling with one of the small pocket-size cars she’d bought him recently. The others were stuffed securely in his pockets.

  Things had settled into their normal pattern. Seth was back on his midday schedule, which gave her plenty of time with Jack after work until Seth picked him up and they had dinner together. She’d feared things would change between them after she’d admitted changing her name, but they hadn’t. If anything, Seth had been even more protective. A gesture that left her with mixed emotions. While she found his extra concern sweet, she worried his curiosity would lead him to dig into her past.

  Seth had been a big help this week, making arrangements for the shuttle service, picking up orders around town and taking over the arrangements for getting Vern Bailey’s vintage plane to the park the morning of the picnic.

  Without him, organizing this picnic would have been much harder. His connections around town had proved to be a blessing, and she’d grown a bit envious. Seth had roots, bonds that linked him not only to the people living in Dover now but those who’d come before. He knew how various people were related. He remembered when so-and-so owned a store and who had bought it. Dover was a deep thread through his life. For all his trying to get away, he seemed woven into the fabric of this little town. She wondered if he appreciated how special that was. She would give anything to have a family. Grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles. Her gaze drifted to Jack as he played. God willing, he would be surrounded by family the rest of his life and be protected by a strong, loving father.

  A glance at the clock reminded her Seth would be here soon and she needed to get his meal ready. Tonight she had prepared Jack’s favorite—spaghetti. The volume of the movie increased, making her smile. Jack had found the remote. He liked to hear his favorite car chase as loud as he could.

  A bubble of anticipation zinged through her the moment the tapping sounded on the back door. She’d told Seth repeatedly that he could come in without knocking, but he’d said it was the gentlemanly thing to do and his mother would scold him if she found out.

  A teasing comment was on her lips as she opened the door. But it wasn’t Seth who stood there. The man at her door was the one person she’d hoped to never see again.

  Her brother, Neil.

  She started to shut the door, but he shouldered inside.

  “Hey, baby sis.”

  She held her ground, refusing to move enough to allow him farther into the room. “What are you doing here? You’re supposed to be in prison.”

  “They let me out early on good behavior.”

  “You’re not welcome here.”

  “Aren’t you glad to see me? It’s been a long time. I had a little trouble tracking you d
own.” He pointed a finger at her. “You changed your name. That wasn’t very nice. Are you ashamed of your big brother? You should have chosen something other than mom’s maiden name.”

  “Neil, you need to leave. Now.” Fear tightened her throat, making it hard to breathe. She’d never been strong enough to refuse his demands. He’d always been able to control her with the threat of abandonment. But not today. Her greater fear now was for Jack. She couldn’t let Neil know the little boy was here. For once she was grateful for the volume of the television.

  Silently she prayed for strength to stand up to her brother and to protect little Jack. “Leave. We have nothing to say to each other.” She stepped in front of him, heart pounding but refusing to show fear.

  “Sure thing, sis. All I need is a few bucks to get out of the country. Five grand would do it.”

  “Are you kidding? I don’t have that kind of money.” He took a step closer, his smoker’s breath assaulting her nose, his hard blue eyes devoid of any kindness above his cruel smirk.

  “You’re lying. You have a house and a great job. You can swing it.”

  “I rent this place and my money is tied up in a 401(k), which means I can’t get to it.”

  He cocked his head and glared. “Then I’ll take whatever you got. You owe me. We’re blood.”

  She fought to keep her voice low and not give any hint of the child in the next room. She didn’t want to think what her brother might do to get what he wanted. “I don’t owe you anything. I’m done doing what you tell me.”

  Carrie stared him down, her mind repeating the prayer for strength. The sound of an approaching car drew Neil’s attention. He glanced over his shoulder at the headlights in the alley. He backed out the door. “I’ll be back.”

  “Don’t bother. I won’t help you. Ever.”

  “We’ll see about that.”

  Neil disappeared into the dark and Carrie locked the door, set the dead bolt and leaned against the door, fighting her racing heart. “Thank you, Lord. You are my strength.” The Lord had answered her prayer. He’d given her the strength to confront Neil and hold her ground.

  A knock sounded on the door and she let out a yelp. But this time the face on the other side was Seth. Relief weakened her knees. She yanked open the door, wanting desperately to throw herself into his arms but managing to restrain herself. If she did there’d be questions. Too many she couldn’t answer. “Hey. We’ve been waiting for you.”

  His gaze told her he knew something was wrong. “Everything all right?”

  She nodded. “Yes.” Quickly she moved to the counter, trying to hide the shaking in her hands. She should tell him about Neil. He was a cop. He could make sure her brother didn’t come around again. But she didn’t want her past or her brother touching anything in her new life. Telling Seth would get him involved. It would be safer if she handled it herself.

  She spoke over her shoulder as she stirred the reheated meal. “Jack’s watching the car movie again and supper is ready.”

  Secretly she’d hoped he would stay awhile. Seth’s presence in her home was like a protective shield. Silly. She could take care of herself, and had most of her life. But she couldn’t deny having Seth at her side gave her added courage, knowing he would back her up.

  She heard Seth speak to his son and the loud squeal of delight from the little boy.

  “Pop. You’re home. I missed you.”

  Seth hugged him tight. “I missed you, too.”

  By the time they sat down to supper, she was feeling calmer and in control. Seth, however, seemed tired and preoccupied, and he gathered Jack up as soon as he finished eating. “Oh, this is my long weekend, and I’ll be working days. Mom’s going to keep Jack, so you’ll have your weekend to yourself.”

  “I don’t mind watching him for you.”

  “I know, but you deserve some time off.” He stopped in the doorway and turned around. “I know something is bothering you. I can see it in your eyes. If you need me, you know you can call anytime. Even if it’s only to talk.”

  “I know. That means a lot.”

  She watched them go, then locked up again, wishing she could confide in Seth. He was the one person who could help protect her from Neil, but she couldn’t tell him the whole story. That would mean admitting she was a criminal, and he’d already been hurt deeply by one woman with a record. Telling him was the right thing to do, but it would cost her his friendship and her time with Jack. Apparently, she had exhausted her strength in standing up to Neil, because she had none when it came to doing the right thing where Seth and Jack were concerned.

  Chapter Nine

  Carrie made her way down the hallway of the church toward her office. It had been two days since Neil had shown up at her house, with no further contact. She’d prayed fervently that he’d moved on. A part of her knew that was unlikely, but it had allowed her to sleep last night.

  She’d talked to Mavis several times and had learned that Neil’s parole hearing had been moved up and he’d been released early. Mavis had offered to come to Dover and stay with her, but Carrie had refused. Her friend had also encouraged her to tell the police. Carrie knew she would have to tell Seth eventually, but she’d already told Seth too much about her past. Telling him about Neil would mean she’d have to tell him everything.

  Pastor Jim passed her in the hall as she neared her office and Gloria Warner, the church secretary, waved as she pushed open her door. Carrie set her purse on the small table behind her desk and sat down. She had a lot to do today, which was why she’d come in early. Her gaze came to rest on the desktop and she frowned. Something wasn’t right. Her laptop. It was gone. She glanced around. It wasn’t on the small overstuffed chair or the lamp table. Had she taken it home and forgotten? Unlikely.

  “No! No!”

  Carrie hurried out into the hall when she heard Gloria shout. Pastor Jim was hurrying toward her, as well.

  “Pastor. My laptop is gone. I’ve looked everywhere.”

  Carrie nodded. “Mine, too.”

  Pastor Jim sighed. “And mine.”

  Gloria looked to the pastor for guidance. “What should we do?”

  “Call the police. Don’t touch anything and we’ll let them take it from here.”

  Reluctant to go back into her office, Carrie paced the hallway as they waited. Why the laptops? They were old and not worth much, and the information on them held value only for the church.

  She glanced up when the back door opened, relieved to see Seth walk in. She smiled but he didn’t return it. His attitude was stern and professional. She’d never seen him on duty. This must be how he looked to the people he arrested. She had to admit he was an imposing sight.

  He stopped in front of Pastor Jim. “We’ve received an anonymous tip about your missing laptops.”

  “Already? We only discovered it a half hour ago.”

  “The call came in just a few minutes ago.” Seth faced Carrie. “Miss Fletcher, would you please open the trunk of your car.”

  Miss Fletcher? Why was he so formal? Her heart pounded in her ears. She knew with certainty that her past had finally caught up with her, but what did he think she’d done?

  The door opened again and Phil Hagen walked in. He spoke quietly to Seth, then stepped back, resting his hands on his duty belt. Carrie’s blood chilled. The expression on Seth’s face was grim and he looked pale. Something was very wrong.

  “The trunk, please.”

  Carrie retrieved her keys and started toward the back door, the two officers following close behind. She pushed the button on the key fob and waited while Seth looked into her trunk.

  She was vaguely aware of Pastor Jim and Gloria coming to her side. Seth glanced into her trunk and she saw his shoulders sag.

  “Pastor, are these the missing computers?”

 
Jim hurried forward, exhaling a heavy sigh before glancing at Carrie. “Yes.”

  She was horrified to see the three laptops in her trunk.

  Seth’s expression was unemotional, but his eyes were filled with regret.

  Carrie’s mind reeled. “I didn’t take those. Why would I? You have to believe me.”

  Pastor Jim slipped an arm around her shoulders. “Of course you didn’t. There has to be some explanation.”

  Gloria came to her side. “Carrie would never steal anything. Certainly not three old computers.”

  Carrie’s insides twisted into a scalding knot. Her body was on fire. But she had stolen. Not this time, but in the past. She looked at Seth, who avoided meeting her gaze. “I didn’t do this.” Her knees suddenly gave way and she sagged against Pastor Jim.

  “I’m sure this is just a misunderstanding.”

  “Maybe, but I still have to take her to the station for questioning.”

  Seth’s voice sounded so cold and hard.

  Carrie’s stomach flipped over. Her insides burned and her skin felt hot and cold. Neil was behind this. She didn’t know how he’d pulled it off, but it was something he would do. He wanted to discredit her so she’d help him get away.

  Seth looked at her for the first time and she saw the pain in his eyes. It gave her a small measure of comfort. He didn’t want to do this, but he would. He would always do his duty.

  He pulled the handcuffs from his belt.

  Carrie spun and buried her head in Pastor Jim’s shoulder. “Pastor, please. I didn’t do this.”

  “I know. Don’t worry, we’ll get it all sorted out.”

  Carrie’s mind shut down, and she curled inward to a place she hadn’t been in a long time. Survival mode. Don’t think. Don’t feel. Just one step in front of the other. Do what had to be done, and pray.

  “Watch your head.”

  The words, spoken in Seth’s deep slightly raspy voice, sliced through to her core. Her life was unraveling like a kitten pulling on a strand of a sweater and there was nothing she could do to stop it.