Protection

by Linda Rettstatt

  He’d been raised Catholic and had remained a faithful attendee at Sunday mass, even after a Saturday night of drinking and sex. After graduation, he made the decision to enter the seminary and study Theology. He struggled for a while to leave his earthly human desires behind him, until a visiting priest who was directing a retreat told him a priest could not divorce himself from his humanness, but rather had to find a way to channel those desires into a love for God and for God’s people, to let that energy be used for good works.

  He didn’t believe that was possible, but as a priest he would have to put his desires—both worldly and sexual—aside and focus on ministry. After five years of study and preparation, Steve had been ordained into the priesthood. He was happy in his life as a priest and parishioners often commented on how much they appreciated the way he interacted with them, with their families. He took his role as priest seriously, believing his job was to serve, to teach, to help people find their way to God.

  On occasion, a woman would attempt a relationship with him beyond the bounds of that of priest and parishioner. The first time it happened, he’d been shocked and confused, not sure how to handle the situation. He distanced himself from the woman and hated the look of hurt in her eyes every time he saw her. Only once had he been seriously tempted to break his vow of celibacy and that was with a young woman who came to him for counsel when she broke off an engagement. She was distraught at having caused her fiancé pain and felt guilty. In trying to offer her comfort, Father Steve must have given the wrong message because, then next thing he knew, she had sidled close to him on the sofa in his office and kissed him. That kiss dragged him back ten years as his body responded—much the way his body now responded when Shannon got too close.

  Jake turned over and pounded the pillow into submission, then closed his eyes. She would be moving out in a day or two. If he had to work day and night on the Swinsons’ apartment to make it livable, he’d do just that.

  Sleep had just about claimed him when a sound outside brought him awake. He got up and listened again, hearing a car door, then shuffling. He pulled on his jeans and grabbed the baseball bat he kept in the corner in case of an intruder.

  His bare feet made no sound as he descended the stairs and reached out to check the front door. Locked. He peered toward the kitchen where the nightlight over the stove cast a soft yellow glow. Tightening his grip on the bat, he move slowly through the living room and kitchen. The back door stood open. He paused and listened. More rustling sounds came from the driveway. Easing open the back door, he stepped outside into the darkness. A figure rummaged through the trunk of Shannon’s car.

  Just as Jake raced across the driveway in his bare feet and lifted the bat, Shannon jumped back from the car and shrieked. Jake checked his swing. “What are you doing out here? I could’ve killed you.”

  She breathed heavily, her eyes wide. “I was getting some things I need out of the car.”

  “You should have told me earlier. I could’ve carried this stuff inside for you. What do you need?”

  Shannon pointed to a large suitcase. “That bag, and few little things. If you take that one, I can get the rest.”

  Jake lifted the bag from the trunk with ease. “Anything else?”

  She picked up the briefcase and clutched it to her chest. “Just this.”

  He hoisted the suitcase and carried it into the cabin and straight up the stairs to her room.

  “Thank you. I’m sorry I woke you,” she said.

  “I wasn’t really asleep. Are you sure that’s all you need?”

  “That’s it. Thanks again.”

  He nodded. “Good night.”

  “Is that bat your only form of protection?”

  He lifted the Louisville Slugger. “I never cared for guns. I figure this and the element of surprise should do the job.”

  “You sure surprised me. I’ll be sure to let you know in advance the next time I go outside.”

  “That would be a good idea.” He stopped in the doorway. “Goodnight.”

  *

  Shannon trembled as she closed the door and leaned back against it. That had been a close call. She couldn’t imagine many burglars would wander out this far into the woods, but Jake had been prepared and quick to react. If a baseball bat could be considered preparation.

  She set the briefcase on the bed and stared at it as if it might hold a live snake. She sat down beside it and laid her palm on top of the cool leather, only now realizing how close she had come to being bludgeoned to death by Jake. She recalled how he had looked in the moonlight, shirtless, his hair in disarray and eyes wild. She grinned as she thought of him as her protector—wielding a baseball bat. A shirtless superhero with panic in his eyes—those warm brown eyes. Shaking her head to throw that train of thought off track, she returned her attention to the briefcase, grateful for the combination locks.

  She’d have had a hard time explaining herself if the case popped open and eight thousand dollars and a hand gun fell out.

  Chapter Seven

  “It could have been worse.” Herb Hightower shoved his hands into the back pockets of his coveralls. “Aside from the front end, there doesn’t appear to be other body or structural damage. I’ll have to take it on a flatbed and put it up on the rack to be sure, though.”

  “Thanks. But I’m wondering if I could sell the car as is for parts, buy something that’s running but cheap?” Shannon bit on her lip and squinted in the sunlight.

  “You could, but you won’t get what it’s worth.” He shifted his gaze from her to the cabin. “Where’s Jake this morning?”

  “He had a job in Seattle. So, how would I go about selling it?”

  “You got the title?” he asked.

  She hesitated. She had the title, but according to that piece of paper, the car was owned by Heather Carlson. “Actually, the car belongs to my mother. She gave it to me when I left and was supposed to have the title changed, but she hasn’t gotten around to it.”

  His eyes narrowed. “Gonna be hard to sell it without the title, even as is. Maybe she could send it to you? I might be interested if you have the legal title.”

  Shannon forced a smile. “I’ll see if she can do that, then I’ll give you a call.”

  “You want me to send out a flatbed to take it into my shop?”

  “Not yet. Let me get the title straightened away first. But, thanks, Herb.”

  “You’re welcome. Jake knows how to contact me.”

  She waited until he backed his pickup from the drive then hurriedly emptied all of her worldly possessions from the trunk, carrying every bag and piece of luggage upstairs and stuffing them into the closet. Next she located the phone book and found an auto salvage service that promised ‘Fair dollars for your junker.’

  When the auto salvage truck backed up the driveway an hour later, Shannon breathed a sigh of relief. The driver, a man who looked to be in his mid-twenties, wore ripped jeans, a worn tee shirt and battered leather boots. “That the car?”

  She suddenly wished Jake was there. This guy gave her the creeps and, with Bailey sleeping in the house, she couldn’t run for help. “Yes. I…um…decided it wasn’t worth the repair. No insurance. You know how it is.”

  “Uh-huh.” He walked around the car, bending down to check the undercarriage, then forced open the bent hood and peered inside. “You did a real number on this car, lady.”

  She attempted a smile. “You should see the tree.”

  “Got the paperwork?”

  “See, that’s a problem. The car belonged to my mother. She gave it to me before I left for this trip, but she hasn’t had the title changed over. And she’s…she’s on a cruise right now, so I can’t call her. But I really need to get this taken care of so I can get another car.”

  His eyes slid over her slowly, causing a chill to roll through her. “I can probably help you out. How much?”

  “I don’t know. What’s the car worth in its present condition?”

  “It’s
worth what you can get. I’ll give you three grand.”

  “Three thousand? But…it’s got to be worth more than that.”

  “Might be. But without the title….” He lifted his hands palms up and shrugged. “I’ll give you three thousand. Cash.” He dug into his pocket and removed a roll of bills.

  He’d come prepared. Shannon knew this was not a legitimate sale, but she didn’t have legitimate paperwork. The car was probably worth twice what he offered but, without options, she had only one decision to make. “I’ll take it.” She held out her hand and watched him count out the money, then stuffed it into her own pocket.

  “You got everything out of there you need?” he asked as he prepared to load the car onto the flatbed carrier.

  “Yes.”

  When he finished loading the vehicle, he nodded. “Have a good day.”

  “Wait. Do I get a receipt or something showing the sale?”

  He flashed a grin bordering on a sneer. “Do I get a clean title?” He winked at her. “You have a good day.”

  She headed up the stairs, closing the bedroom door and sitting heavily on the bed. She peeled off the bills and counted them out twice. This gave her eleven thousand dollars. How would she find another car with no transportation into town? Then she remembered the computer and Craig’s List. A place to start.

  Bailey stirred and she picked her up. “Somebody needs a diaper change. Then maybe we’ll go for a little walk. Would you like that, to go outside for a while?”

  The baby grinned and waved her arms, tiny hands balled into fists.

  Outside, a gentle breeze ruffled the baby’s soft curls. Shannon walk the edge of the property near the line of pine trees, breathing in their scent. A glance upward revealed clear blue sky and slowly moving puffs of cloud. “This wouldn’t be such a bad place to live, would it sweetie?”

  The baby gurgled.

  “I agree.”

  A sound in the brush made her jump and she turned. Branches stirred and the undergrowth rustled. Probably a small animal. Or a deer. Or a bear. She wasn’t sure if bears roamed the area, but she wasn’t going to take any chances. She headed back to the cabin. Perhaps she would show her appreciation for Jake’s hospitality by making dinner this evening. She settled Bailey into her carrier and then searched the freezer and the pantry. With few choices, she settled on spaghetti and a salad, with garlic bread. If he had garlic. A small bottle of the powder sat behind larger spice bottles in the cupboard above the stove. It would do.

  After setting out all the ingredients for dinner, she sat at the computer and logged into Craig’s list, looking for cars available locally. She found nothing closer than Seattle. One caught her interest: 2001 Toyota Camry, 187k miles, but runs great, asking $800. Will need tires. She printed out the ad and folded it into her hip pocket. Perhaps she could accompany Jake to Seattle the next day and arrange to see the car. When she called the owner, the man agreed to bring the car to her.

  *

  Jake came up the long drive and stopped, staring. Shannon’s car was gone. He glanced toward the house and let out a deep breath when he saw Shannon sitting on the deck with the baby. And he wondered why he felt relieved to see her there. It was as if she’d always been there, belonged right there.

  “Did Herb take the car in to his shop?” Jake asked as he approached the deck.

  “No. I found a buyer to take it as is. Just seemed more expedient, then I can get another car. I took the liberty of planning dinner. I hope you don’t mind.”

  He stood staring up at her, sweat dampened his brows. He swiped a sleeved arm across his forehead. “I don’t mind at all. I do need shower first.”

  “I won’t start the pasta until you’re finished showering, then.”

  As he ascended the deck stairs and moved past her she said, “Oh, I hope you don’t mind. I have someone bringing a car by tomorrow for me to look at.”

  He stopped and whirled around. “You what? No, I don’t want some stranger coming here.”

  Her face flushed and she did that annoying but sexy lip-biting thing. “I’m s-sorry. I should have asked first. I just thought…. I’ll call them back. They’re in Seattle. Maybe I can go with you tomorrow and meet up with them there.”

  Her embarrassment made him feel about ten inches tall. He’d over-reacted and he knew it. “I’m not working in Seattle tomorrow. Just let them bring the car here. I’ll be around. I’m sorry I snapped at you.”

  “No, you’re right. I was out of line to invite strangers to your house.”

  He wanted to rewind the scene back to where he was looking at her and thinking how she belonged on his deck, in his life. But he couldn’t. “I’ll shower and change. We can talk more about this over dinner.”

  In the shower, Jake let water pound over his head and down his face. He’d been here alone for so long now and was still always looking over his shoulder. He couldn’t begin to explain to Shannon why he’d reacted so strongly to the idea of someone unknown bringing a car for her to look at. After all, she was a stranger and he’d taken her into his home. Maybe it would be best to just drive her over to Seattle to look at the car. Then he’d talk with the Swinsons about their apartment if Shannon had decided to stay in Snoqualmie. In a day or two, he could have her out of his cabin and he could resume life as it was before. That thought fell like a lead weight in his chest. Life as it was before was pretty damned lonely and boring.

  When he walked into the kitchen, she was standing at the sink, draining pasta. In her carrier in the living room, Bailey built a whimper into a full-scale wail.

  “One minute, Bailey. Just give me one minute,” Shannon called.

  “I’ll get her if that’s okay.”

  “Thank you.”

  Jake stood over the carrier and smiled down at the baby. When she became aware of him, she stopped crying abruptly and gazed up at him, wide-eyed. He bent down slowly and reached for her. She looked as though she wasn’t sure if she should be okay or continue to cry. So she sniffled and stared at his face. And his heart melted. In another life, he’d have this—a wife and a child or children.

  He settled the baby on his chest, her head tucked under his chin. Picking up the carrier, he headed into the kitchen. “She’s fine. Just didn’t want to be alone in there.” He pulled out a chair and sat carefully, trying not to jostle the quiet baby who sucked on her fist.

  “Do you want me to take her?”

  “No. Finish what you’re doing. We’re fine.”

  He watched Shannon move efficiently around his kitchen, placing the pasta in a bowl and tossing it with sauce, then pouring the remainder of the sauce into a gravy boat. She set all of it on the table, pulled a tossed salad from the fridge, and then removed garlic bread from the oven.

  “That smells great. I didn’t think I had any sauce.”

  “You didn’t, but you had tomato puree, paste, and diced tomatoes. I worked with it.”

  He grinned. “You do good work.”

  She bent down to take the baby off his chest. “I’ll put her in the carrier so you can eat with two hands.”

  Her hair fell forward, grazing his cheek. He breathed in the scent of something fruity and sweet. He glanced down at her breasts, the cleavage visible as her tee shirt fell forward. He found it hard to breathe, impossible to swallow. The slow, sweet torture ended as she straightened and lifted the baby with her, then lay Bailey in the carrier.

  “Oh, I forgot ice for the water.”

  Jake’s chair scraped as he stood. “I’ll get it.” Anything to get a little distance and cool down. He removed the ice container from the freezer and filled two glasses with cubes.

  Shannon sat across from him at the table, waiting expectantly for his first taste. He filled his plate and twirled the angel hair pasta on his fork and stuffed it into his mouth, chewing slowly. “This is really good. You have to tell me how you made that sauce. I usually just open a can. I’m not even sure why I had those other ingredients on hand.”

  “
I’ll write it down. I’m glad you like it.”

  He set down his fork. “About what I said earlier. I’m sorry. I guess I’ve lived here alone for so long, I’m suspicious of strangers. Present company excluded, of course. I’m working at home tomorrow. Have the guy bring the car here if you want. And if you want a mechanic to look it over first, I’d bet Herb would be happy to do so. I can ask him.”

  “That’s okay. I already rethought things. It’s probably not a good idea to buy a car off Craig’s list. If I’m going to settle here, at least for now, why do I need a car right away? I can have Herb find me something later on.”

  “So we need to visit the Swinsons then and see about that apartment?”

  She nodded. “I’d appreciate it.”

  “I’ll call them in the morning.”

  She watched him with a look of amusement as he emptied his plate and refilled it for a second helping.

  He stopped with the fork half way to his mouth. “What?”

  “I’m glad you’re enjoying my cooking. I figured it was the least I could do.”

  “It’s delicious.”

  Her perfectly white teeth shone behind an appreciative smile. “I couldn’t find anything to make for dessert, though.”

  “Great. We can go to the Dairy Dream. It’ll be my treat. They have homemade soft serve.”

  “Sounds good.”

  It wasn’t until they pulled into the brightly-lit and crowded parking lot half an hour later that Jake thought this may have been a bad idea. It was a warm early summer night and the entire town of Snoqualmie was gathered here. He parked in a darkened corner of the lot.

  Before he could suggest that he get their ice cream and bring it back to the truck, Shannon was out of her seat and removing the baby from the car seat. Already he could feel eyes on them, questioning this woman and child with him—the town hermit. A woman sporting a nasty bruise around her left eye.