Ma shook her head. “No, ma’am, you won’t. That’s your weekly ritual. You go take a hot shower. That’ll help the stiffness. Then go on and play Scrabble.” Ma reached out and squeezed her arm. “Honey, you never allowed yourself to grieve. You became stoic and just kept working. So did I. Too many losses in such a short time. For both of us. Now we need to move on with our lives.”
Move on? To what? Still, Allie nodded her agreement. “Yes, I do know.” She wanted nothing more than to protect her mother and Danny, but instead she was acting like a petulant child, mad at everyone around her and mad at God.
❧
Derrick grabbed the phone directory from a drawer in the hotel bed stand and leaned back against a stack of pillows he’d jammed behind his head. The luxurious room in the Marcus Whitman Hotel provided everything, including a wireless connection, but he preferred the yellow pages. He thumbed through the book until he reached the listing for churches. Since coming to the Lord, he rarely missed services, and then only due to circumstances beyond his control. Now he felt a special need to worship. More so because his good intentions were keeping him from being totally up front with anyone.
Oh Lord, I’m doing this for Sandy. She wants to know her son is safe.
The town’s churches were limited, and he couldn’t decide which to attend. He shut the phone book, got to his knees on the plush maroon and beige carpet, and bowed his head.
“Lord, I need Your guidance. Lead me in Your ways. Show me a church to attend. And I know You despise a lying tongue. I ask Your forgiveness for omission of truth. I want to keep Sandy’s secret and remain a godly man. Only by Your grace and mercy. Amen.”
Derrick stood. One niggling concern taunted him. What if someone recognized his last name and put him together with Sandy? Although that probably wasn’t likely since eight years had passed between the adoption and now. His stomach growled a protest, and he glanced at the clock. Five thirty. Time for dinner. He headed downstairs to The Marc Restaurant, which the hotel attendant had promised was one of the best in town. Once he’d been seated and served, and after one bite of the succulent steak, Derrick reminded himself to thank the attendant for his recommendation. He adjusted the cloth napkin on his lap and tried to put his thoughts in order.
Okay, what had he learned so far? Derrick sliced his steak, then took a sip of tea. At this point it seemed likely that Danny Vahn was his nephew. Sandy had been living on the streets as a runaway, but when she realized she was pregnant, she’d gone to a clinic run by a religious organization. Different churches provided volunteers, and that was where Sandy had met her son’s adoptive mother, a nurse named Cindy Vahn. She’d convinced Sandy that her best option was to give up the baby. A local law firm handled the private adoption, and the lawyer’s name was Paige Maynard. Derrick sighed. A case could be made for coercion, based on what Sandy had told him, but. . .that was then. This was now.
So where did that leave him on his mission? How would he meet Danny’s adoptive parents and be able to observe their interaction with the boy? All he wanted was to reassure Sandy—and himself—that Danny was in safe hands. If the boy’s parents were anything like Allie, he and Sandy had nothing to fear.
Derrick finished up his meal, paid his check, and headed out of the hotel. He strode aimlessly around the center of town, his stomach in knots. He’d eaten too much too quickly. Perhaps a walk would settle his stomach.
Though Walla Walla was not very far from the dry arid desert of the Tri-Cities where his family lived, it was like a green oasis. He appreciated the sight of the Blue Mountains in the distance, where he often skied in the winter. Had Danny ever skied? It would be great to have an opportunity to teach the boy everything. To make him a part of the Owens firm when he grew up. . .
No. What was he thinking? He had to keep his promise to Sandy. Check on Danny, leave town, and report back to her. His nephew would never be a part of his life.
After passing one tourist-type shop after another, Derrick found himself several blocks from the hotel, wandering up Second Avenue. He was about to turn around when a junk store snagged his attention. Piles of items littered the sidewalk outside. Just the type of shop he used to visit with Lynn, the woman he thought he’d marry. The gaudy sign read THE QUAINT SHOP, and Derrick peered through the window at a washboard like his great granny used to own. He peered inside the store and caught sight of Shannon, Allie’s friend.
Five
Shannon had mentioned she owned a store. This must be it. For some reason it suited her. And having access to her alone suited Derrick. Maybe he could pry some information from her.
He wasn’t two steps into the shop when Shannon came bounding up to him, a bright smile on her face.
“What do you know?” she quipped. “The hero’s here!”
Derrick glanced over his shoulder. “Where?”
Shannon laughed. “It’s time to close. Let me lock the door and you can join me in the back kitchen. I’m brewing tea. Want some?”
She twisted the key in the lock, then guided him to the back of the store before he could answer. Shannon pulled aside a beaded curtain, revealing a small kitchen with a tiny white table and two chairs. She pointed at one. “Sit. And don’t worry, this is herbal.”
Derrick eyed the delicate-looking antique chair and proceeded with caution.
“That is stronger than it looks, believe me.” She held the kettle over a plain brown teapot and glanced at him. “None of that caffeine in this. Kills the liver, you know.”
“That’ll be fine.” He’d be willing to put his liver on the line for a strong cup of coffee right about now, but it was more important to be sociable.
While she hummed and brewed tea, he studied the kitchen. Shannon had been born in the wrong decade. She would’ve been right at home in the golden era of hippies. He sniffed and scanned the room to locate the source of the strong scent.
“Jasmine and chamomile,” she said as she poured tea from the pot to mugs.
He blinked. “What?”
“What you smell. Aromatherapy. Jasmine and chamomile. Good for end-of-the-day relaxation.”
“Oh,” he murmured. How had she known what he was thinking?
Shannon shoved a stack of papers aside and set a smiley face mug in front of him. “I’m thinking of expanding—opening a new shop in the Tri-Cities. Could be lucrative, I’m not sure.”
“I might be able to help you.” The words slipped out. He couldn’t imagine a shop like hers in the upscale areas he serviced.
“Really?” Smiling, Shannon took a seat across from him.
“Yep. My father and I own a real estate company.” He took a sip of tea. Weird.
“That would be totally awesome.” She scooted to the edge of her seat. “Wow, what you did today. . .” Shannon sighed. “You saved my best friend from breaking something serious, that’s for sure.” She sipped from her cup.
“I’m sure Allie would’ve gotten that horse under control. She looks like a strong, capable woman.” A memory of the wild-haired Allie atop the crazy horse made him smile. Allie was spunky, but something in her green eyes told him she was vulnerable, too.
Nodding, Shannon set down her cup. “Allie is capable, all right. And strong. I don’t think I could’ve survived what she went through.”
“Why? Are you afraid of horses?”
Shannon shook her head. “Oh, I didn’t mean the horse incident. I mean she’s emotionally strong. First her daddy died. He had a heart attack. No one saw it coming, although he was a lot older than Allie’s mom.” Shannon shook her head. “He was such a great guy. Anyway, then her brother and sister-in-law in that awful car accident.”
Derrick held his breath—and his tongue—while he watched her slowly sip the tea. He couldn’t hold back. “Danny’s parents are dead?”
Tears pooled in Shannon’s eyes. “Poor little guy. Allie made sure he got counseling.” She jumped up, opened a cupboard door, and grabbed a box of tissues. As she peeled away the plastic fr
om the box, Derrick scrubbed his jaw with his fingers. Danny seemed to be in good hands.
“Sorry.” Shannon sat back down and blew her nose into the tissue, then fanned her flushed face with her hand, a silver ring on nearly every finger. “Anyway, Allie takes better care of everyone around her than she does herself. She might have done with some counseling as well.” Shannon blinked, then looked at him as though she were surprised to see him sitting across from her. “Do you go to church, Derrick?”
What? The way her mind jumped from topic to topic could give someone mental whiplash. Patience. He had to get her to back up where she’d left off in the conversation, but again, his gut warned him not to push. “Yes.”
“Oh, I had a feeling you were a Christian. I can usually tell. It’s something on people’s faces. . .well, really, it’s in their eyes. The eyes are the windows to the soul, you know.” Shannon’s bright smile was back. “Derrick, you must come to Walla Walla Tabernacle tomorrow morning! Allie will be there, too. And guess what else. Tomorrow Danny’s boys’ group will get badges during the service.”
Derrick quickly sorted through Shannon’s words, keying in on the most important fact. He sent up a silent prayer of thanks. If it turned out Danny was his nephew, he’d be able to tell his sister that Danny was active in church. Sandy would be ecstatic. “In that case, I’m there. Where is it, and what time is the service?”
“Oh, cool! I’ve got last week’s bulletin with the address.” She got up and rifled through a three-inch stack of papers. “Here it is! Service starts at ten.” Shannon gave him the bulletin, then rubbed her hands together. “It’s like you’re part of the family already, saving Allie’s life and all.”
Guilt speared his heart. He had to keep playing his part, keep up the facade, despite the fact that it meant leading on such nice people. “Got anymore tea?” He had forced down the strange brew, but he needed a reason to linger and keep Shannon talking.
Shannon was out of her chair, kettle in hand. She grabbed a tin can of. . . Derrick squinted at the label. What was he drinking anyway? “Pu-erh?” He didn’t mean to say it aloud.
“That’s right,” Shannon said with pride as she made him another cup. “Comes all the way from Yunnan.” When she was done, she dropped into the chair, mugs in hand. “Oh, don’t worry, that’s a province of China, not a different planet.” She laughed. “You’re funny.”
“Me? Why’s that?”
Shannon scooted closer to the table. “I study body language. And, well, the way you held your hand against your stomach when you said ‘pu-erh,’ I could tell you worried about what you were drinking.”
Actually he was surprised his stomach felt settled since he’d drunk the tea, but best not to contradict her.
“And there’s more to you than what’s on the surface.” She studied him with clear hazel eyes. “Sometimes the Lord shows me things about people, I think. Sort of a discernment thing.”
Derrick held his breath. He certainly hoped not.
“I think you’re a good guy, Derrick Owens.”
He didn’t feel as relieved as he should. He was a man with a secret, which didn’t quite add up to being a good guy.
“. . .but there’s something.” A frown creased Shannon’s forehead.
Derrick forced himself to relax and meet her gaze. “Everybody has something, don’t they?”
Shannon’s gaze scoured his face, and the wary look in her eyes disappeared. Derrick released a pent-up breath. As he started to relax, a hard rap on the back door gave him a start.
Shannon jumped from her chair and went to the door. “That’s Allie.” She tossed him a sly grin. “She’s come to play Scrabble.”
And Shannon hadn’t warned him? That meant Allie probably didn’t know he was here either.
Allie stepped through the door, and her gaze slammed into his.
“Look who’s here,” Shannon said with a gleeful smile.
“I have eyes.” Allie’s smile wobbled. “I’m surprised to see you, Derrick.”
“No more surprised than I am to see you,” Derrick said dryly.
“One more for Scrabble. It’ll be fun.” Shannon looked like a kid in a toy store.
Allie drew a deep breath. “Sorry to be rude. It’s good to see you again.”
“I was wandering the streets after dinner, getting a feel for the town, and I saw Shannon in the store. Decided to come in and see what’s up.”
Shannon set a third cup of tea on the table. “Derrick is going to help me find a place to rent in the Tri-Cities for my expansion shop.”
“Oh?” Allie raised an eyebrow in his direction.
“I’m a Realtor. Property is my business. I handle rentals as well as sales.”
Shannon pointed. “Allie, sit. He doesn’t bite.” Shannon grabbed a worn Scrabble game from the top of the refrigerator.
Allie blushed and dragged another chair to the table. Derrick hid his smile with his teacup.
“Did your mother tell you the good news?” Shannon glanced at Allie as she dropped the box on the table, pulled out the game board, and unfolded it.
“She sure did,” Allie snapped.
Shannon pressed her bejeweled hand to her throat. “Does it upset you that she’ll be working here?”
“Upset me? My best friend is definitely moving and didn’t let me know. And she hired my mother and didn’t tell me? What do you think?”
“I’m sorry. I thought I told you.” Shannon patted Allie’s arm. “I was just so involved with all the decisions, I wasn’t remembering everything.”
Derrick could believe that.
“Well, you didn’t.” Allie tapped the table with more vigor. “Ma is already working, cleaning the church. I worry about her. I don’t want her working so hard.”
“Come on, Allie. It’s not like she’s senile or something. She’s not that old. I think she can make her own decisions.” Shannon handed out letter holders.
Irritation lit Allie’s eyes. “I know that, but I’m allowed to be concerned about my own mother, aren’t I? She’s been through too much. I want to protect her and Danny. She’s always worked so hard. I just want to take care—”
Her jaw snapped shut, and she glared in Derrick’s direction. Obviously his presence had slipped her mind.
Shannon grabbed Allie’s hand. “Please understand. I’m hoping she’ll be able to work here full-time soon. Manage the place. That means she can stop the cleaning job. In the long run, that will be easier on her.”
Allie inhaled, and her shoulders sagged. “Okay. I give up. You’re right.” She lifted one corner of her mouth—a poor effort at a smile.
Shannon took game pieces out of the box. “And it will be lucrative, too. I’m going to work it out that Betsy gets a percentage of sales. That’ll help you guys pay—”
“Let’s talk about it later.” Allie slid another quick glance Derrick’s way.
A distress signal shot through him that went beyond just caring for his nephew. It was concern for the petite farrier and her mother. He tried to stifle the feeling. He couldn’t afford to get deeply involved. Yet their well-being did directly affect his nephew. And the things Allie had left unsaid raised some doubts in his mind. How could he pursue this without giving away his real purpose?
Derrick sighed inwardly as Shannon began to pass out Scrabble letters. He got the letter X. No matter. Perhaps he’d earn extra points by using the word pretext.
Six
A high-pitched blare startled Allie from sleep. She jolted forward in bed, her heart pounding. “Wh–what?” Was someone playing a poor rendition of reveille? Early morning sun glowed around the edge of her blinds. She scanned the bedroom through slit eyes, focused, and caught sight of Danny’s dress shoes poking out from beneath floor-length curtains.
“What in the world?” Allie glanced at the digital clock. It was eight thirty. She’d forgotten to set her alarm. “Daniel James Vahn!”
Allie pulled back the covers, got out of bed, and groaned from
stiffness. She tiptoed toward the window where the muslin curtain billowed, then settled back, outlining her nephew’s wiry form. “Danny? You little monster.” She poked at where she thought his shoulder would be.
Danny giggled. His face appeared between the two curtain panels. “It’s Sunday morning. You were oversleeping. I had to wake you up.”
She smiled but might’ve cried. He was growing so quickly. At almost nine, his facial features were more defined, emphasizing his coal black eyes. Before long he would be a man. A striking man.
He stepped forward, shedding the curtains like a cloak. Dressed in his uniform, he held his dented bugle in his left arm like a soldier and saluted her.
Allie planted her hands on her hips. “Soldier, that horn is for camping with the boys’ group, not for use at home.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He snickered.
She bit back a smile. “Now skedaddle so I can get ready.”
“Ma’am, yes, ma’am.” Danny saluted again and hurried from the room, closing the bedroom door.
Allie sank to the edge of the bed and put her face in her hands. She hadn’t rested well, tossing and turning, between worry about finances and the memory of Derrick. Playing Scrabble with him had been fun, with his bright smile and quick wit. Definitely a charmer and clearly a confident man. Michael had been that way to a degree.
While engaged to him she’d thought how nice it would be to marry and give Danny a family again—a mom and dad. Her heart ached for the losses Danny had suffered. He deserved better than he’d had in his life. She often wondered about his biological mother, but knew nothing except the little her sister-in-law Cindy had told her. His mother had been young and living on the street. She couldn’t give him what he needed.
That was ironic. Allie was beginning to think she wouldn’t be able to provide for him either. She stood and stretched. With so much debt left by Luke, she was on the verge of declaring bankruptcy. She wanted to give Danny a secure life. In her heart of hearts, she knew her mother was right.
A Hero for Her Heart (Truly Yours Digital Editions Book 885) Page 4
