The SEAL's Return

by Patricia Potter

  “Lisa. I’m so glad you and your family could come,” Josh said, then turned to Jubal. “You’ve met Amos. This guy next to him is Nick, dog whisperer and my best friend, as well as my stepson. Nick, this is Jubal Pierce, who is using the cabin.”

  The boy beamed. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Pierce.”

  “Among friends, I’m Jubal,” Jubal said.

  “Mom wouldn’t approve of that,” Nick said with dignity.

  “Okay, then,” he said. “I don’t think I want to tussle with your mother.”

  “Good decision,” Josh said.

  Jubal noticed then that Gordon Redding had backed away, his eyes darting from his sister to Jubal. His face had paled.

  Lisa turned to Jubal. “Gordon said you hired him to do some work for you,” she said.

  The kid’s eyes begged him, even as his gaze slid toward Clint before returning to Jubal. It was obvious, at least to Jubal, that he was last person Gordon wanted to see here.

  Jubal was trapped. He would either have to lie to Lisa, at least by omission, or he would be another adult who failed the kid. He recalled how he’d felt at that age years ago. Rebellious with few friends, and none he trusted.

  He nodded. “He’s going to build a bench for Josh’s dock. Thought it might be a good way to thank my host.” Why in the hell did he add that and make the lie bigger? “Gordon brought me some good designs.”

  “I didn’t know that,” Clint said. His eyes had turned watchful as if he sensed currents he didn’t understand. Beneath Clint’s good nature was a sharp, intuitive mind.

  Jubal shrugged and dug even deeper. “I heard you built the dock. I thought I would do my part and add a bench, and then this young man was looking for a job just after I acquired one of my own...”

  Lisa’s steady gaze seemed to see right through him, but she didn’t say anything. Neither did Josh, who started putting steaks on the grill. Stephanie emerged with a tray of drinks: glasses of wine for Andy and Lisa, beers for Josh and Nate and a soda for Clint. Jubal nearly choked at Clint’s choice.

  “I’m driving a police car,” Clint explained. “And I’m singing in the pageant tonight. It wouldn’t be seemly if I smelled like beer.” Although his words were wry, Jubal felt his friend’s gaze on him.

  “I’m curious,” Stephanie said. “Clint calls it nosy, but I was wondering about your name. Jubal. It’s unusual.”

  “My father was born in Texas,” Jubal explained, relieved that the subject was changed. “The first Pierce who settled there had served under General Jubal Early of the Confederacy. He named his first son Jubal and it became a family tradition. I’m about the fifth one.”

  “You grew up in Texas, then?” Stephanie persevered. “There’s no accent.”

  “My parents divorced when I was seven. My mother took me to her family home out east. I grew up there.”

  He hoped his short reply would dissuade more questions.

  “I hear you’re doing some work for Luke Daniels,” Stephanie said.

  “I’m just going to exercise some of the older horses for him,” he said. He glanced at Lisa. She had taken a seat but her gaze was on him. Listening. Letting Stephanie ask all the questions, but then maybe she wasn’t interested enough to ask any herself.

  He was talking too much, something he rarely did. It came partly because he felt at home with Clint and Josh, and partly from a need to divert the conversation from Gordon.

  “The steaks are done,” Josh said, handing him a reprieve from attention. Josh handed the heavy platter to Jubal. “Can you take them in for me? I have to douse the fire. We have a real problem with forest fires around here.”

  “Follow me,” Stephanie said. She led the way to the back door of the house, heading inside through the kitchen to a dining room with a large oak table in the center. There was a huge salad on the table, and a bowl full of wrapped potatoes with steam coming out of them alongside another bowl of rolls and four plates of butter.

  “I debated about the seating arrangement,” Eve said, joining them. “And decided to leave it all to fate. Each place has a number. I have a hat here with numbers in it. Draw the number and that is your place.”

  There was a dash for the hat by hungry people. Jubal and Gordon were the last two and Jubal found himself sitting at the end of the table between Nate and Lisa. Gordon was seated between Clint and Andy.

  The food was so good there was no need for small talk. He watched Gordon eat in record time, but then boys did that no matter what problems they faced. He used to be like that. Not even a loaf of plain bread was safe.

  He looked at Lisa. She was eating like a soldier. No picking for her. She met his glance, and the floor under him seemed to rock.

  “I like the drawing system,” she said softly enough he doubted anyone else would hear. “I was afraid that since we apparently are the only single adults here, they would try to match us. But it’s nice to know they didn’t.”

  “You were worried?”

  She nodded. “Now we can relax. No expectations.” She paused, then added, “When Gordon told me earlier that you hired him to build a bench. I...didn’t know whether...” She stopped suddenly, and he realized that she thought Gordon was lying.

  “He brought over three designs,” Jubal said. “I liked one, and he’s going to work on it next week.” She just nodded, and he didn’t know whether it was approval or not.

  He hated lying to her, except he wasn’t exactly lying. But it was closer than he liked. It went against everything he believed in, especially when it came to someone he liked, and he was liking her more every moment, which was stupid considering he had no intention of sticking around.

  Clint, perhaps sensing the tension, turned to Lisa. “How do you like Covenant Falls?”

  “I’m going through culture shock. I’ve never lived anywhere but in a big city where you take the bus or the L everywhere, but I like it. I love the falls.”

  “What’s the L?” Nick asked.

  “The rapid transit system,” Lisa explained. “A lot of it is above ground.”

  “I’ve seen it in movies,” Nick said. “Looks neat.”

  Eve glanced at her watch. “Everyone who has to be at the pageant area early should go now. Stephanie and I can clean up. Won’t take long and we’ll meet you there. Save us a couple of seats.”

  “Oh, and we’re having a reception at the community center after the pageant to celebrate,” Stephanie added. “Maude is bringing all kinds of delicious treats so we’re not having dessert here. Everyone’s invited.”

  Andy turned to Lisa. “Are you going to the pageant tonight?”

  “Kerry and I are going.” She looked at Gordon.

  All eyes turned to Gordon, who squirmed slightly, and looked at Jubal. He nodded. Reluctantly.

  “Gordon can ride with Andy and me,” Nate said. “We have to be there early, and Gordon could help with the props. We need all the help we can get.”

  Gordon had the look of a trapped fox, but to Lisa’s relief, he nodded.

  “Why don’t you and Kerry follow Jubal and me in your car?” Clint said to Lisa.

  “I was going to help with the cleanup,” Lisa said.

  “Thanks for the offer,” Eve said. “But it’s not necessary. Stephanie and I have it down to a science.”

  “All right, then,” Lisa agreed.

  Once in the car, Clint kept his eyes on the road ahead. “What is it with you and Gordon Redding?”

  “I don’t know what you mean,” Jubal said.

  “He seemed nervous around you.”

  “Maybe it was your presence. The badge can be an unnerving sight.”

  “I also saw the way you looked at his sister.”

  Jubal shrugged. “She’s attractive, but she’s a forever type of woman and I’m definite
ly not a forever type of guy. I’m only going to be here two weeks if it’s okay with Josh.”

  “I thought it was only days,” Clint said with a wry grin.

  “Doesn’t matter. We don’t have anything in common. She has a career. I have an old car and wandering ways.”

  “I’ve heard that before,” Clint mumbled as they turned into more traffic than Jubal had seen yet in Covenant Falls.

  When they reached the parking lot, Clint drove into a roped-off area behind the community center and they linked up again. Andy took Kerry to see the horses in their makeshift corral, and Nate took Gordon to the staging area. Clint accompanied Jubal and Lisa to the first two rows, which were roped off.

  “First or second row?” Clint asked.

  “They look reserved,” Jubal observed.

  “Yep. Reserved for newcomers, VIPS and friends of the cast. You qualify in all three categories,” Clint said. “I assume you want the end seat on the second row for a quick getaway.”

  Jubal swore to make Clint’s life miserable in some manner. He hated being the focal point of attention. He’d spent his entire adult life doing the opposite.

  Clint disappeared and Jubal was alone with Lisa, left to inhale the subtle scent of flowers that rose from her hair.

  He wasn’t quite sure how he’d been maneuvered into coming to an event he never would’ve gone to on his own, let alone into sitting next to a woman who was everything he didn’t need.

  But, God help him, he did want her.

  Lisa looked equally ill at ease. She glanced around at the people rapidly filling seats. “I don’t believe this,” she said.

  He could agree with that. “Four hours ago this was a park,” Jubal said. “Now I feel like I’m in a western movie.”

  “Magic?” Lisa replied, looking around at the darkening sky and a half moon casting its reflection in the lake. A cool breeze ruffled through her hair.

  “More like organization and hard work,” he replied.

  “Ah, a cynic?”

  “More like a realist,” he replied.

  But he had to admit to a certain amazement as he looked at the set. He was impressed by the fact that in the hours he’d been at Josh Manning’s home, the picnic area beside the community center had been turned into a small trading post dominated by a two-story log facade. It was clever stagecraft, especially the study on the second floor. There was talent behind the sets, an ingenuity that impressed him. That he found it in a small town like Covenant Falls impressed him even more.

  He glanced at Lisa. She, too, was a stranger here. He understood from what little Clint had said that she’d moved here from a major hospital in Chicago. There was some mystery as to why, but he suspected it had something to do with Gordon. If that was true, that made his own role in Gordon’s life even more questionable.

  What was it about Lisa that so attracted him? She was pretty, but he’d been with pretty women before and they hadn’t affected him as Lisa did. After he’d returned to the States, his friends had tried to fix him up with every eligible woman in San Diego. None of them had come close to arousing any feelings in him, much less the strong attraction he felt with the woman next to him.

  Maybe it was the thoughtful brown eyes that seemed to take everything in, the concern in her face as she looked at her brother, or the warm smile when she mentioned her newly acquired dog. Or maybe it was the quiet reserve. She was a watcher and a listener. He liked that.

  The row they were in started to fill. Eve and Stephanie joined them, along with Kerry and Susie. “Gordon’s going to help with the props,” Stephanie said.

  Susie, he noted, was not the only dog in attendance—both Clint and Josh had brought theirs. To his surprise, Susie happily settled at Kerry’s feet.

  Minutes later, the lights dimmed and a spotlight focused on Clint leaning against a fence with a guitar in his hands. Bart was with him.

  Jubal saw an entirely different Clint than the one he’d known during their hell-raising days. It was obvious he was happy. It was in the music, in the looks he gave Stephanie, in the pride he took in his role in the town.

  Clint was still the fun-loving, good-natured guy he’d always been but contentment oozed from him now; the danger-junkie was gone. Had it been that easy?

  Could Jubal ever do that? Or would he forever be haunted by the past? What he’d been through in captivity had seared his soul. It was why he couldn’t sleep. He dreaded the flashbacks, the nightmares, the fear he would wake up in captivity again. Or worse, have to relive those final moments with the friends he’d lost on that last mission.

  He couldn’t inflict that mess on another person.

  He tried to concentrate on the play. It was good, really good for an amateur production. The music—both Clint and the choir—were excellent. He felt the founder’s grief and triumphs. He began to better understand Clint and Josh’s affection for the town.

  The audience stood, and everyone around him was singing the state song of Colorado. He stood with them as they applauded. The pageant was over, and he’d missed the last few scenes.

  “Clint is quite good, isn’t he?” Lisa asked.

  “I never realized how good,” Jubal replied, his gaze resting on her for a few seconds. “I’ve heard him sing before, but never like that.” He didn’t add that she might not have appreciated some of Clint’s earlier performances.

  Eve came over and asked if he’d join them at a celebration in the community center.

  It didn’t sound like such a great idea. He looked at her and Josh and knew the other couples would be there; he would be paired with Lisa again. It was the last thing either of them needed.

  “Thanks,” he said, “but I think I should head back to the cabin.”

  Josh nodded, and Jubal knew he understood. “Thanks for coming tonight,” Josh said. “I know better than most how overwhelming Covenant Falls can be for a newcomer.”

  “The supper was great, and the pageant... I was impressed, and I have a new appreciation for Clint’s voice. Just don’t tell him that.”

  “I won’t.” Josh put out his hand. “Let me know if you need anything.”

  Jubal took it. It wasn’t so much a formality as it was recognition of a bond, a private understanding that the others wouldn’t get.

  “Good night,” Jubal said, then turned and joined the stream of people leaving the park.

  Most of the audience had been families. Moms and dads were struggling to keep their children with them. Some were holding toddlers. He felt a poignant regret he hadn’t known before. A sense of being totally alone in the middle of a crowd. Ironic. Even when he was alone in the huts and caves where he’d been imprisoned, he’d hung on to his training, to what and who he was. He’d believed then he’d one day resume his place as part of a team.

  He no longer had that. Now, at thirty-eight, he watched the smiles and laughter, and families talking to families, and he felt hollow. He’d seen so many wrecked marriages from the time he was a toddler that he had little faith in love and marriage. Better for him to have short liaisons in which neither party got hurt nor children torn apart.

  He reached the cabin, but he was too restless to try to sleep. The moon was bright enough that he could risk a trip up to the lookout on his neighboring mountain.

  He walked slowly, carefully, until he reached his spot. Then he looked down. The floodlights were still on at the site of the pageant, and there were lights in the community center. A few small figures were moving around the park, although most of the chairs were already gone and the picnic area had been cleared. He probably should’ve stayed. Helped.

  But he’d been eager to leave the mass of people and the curious looks sent his way.

  The town was apart from him. But he appreciated what he’d heard about the man behind the story. It was a story of strength, kin
dness to a foe and finally, his love and defense of his Ute wife, which was a taboo at that time.

  Was that what love did? Crossed barriers and boundaries and to hell with anyone who tried to interfere? He knew some SEAL wives who did that; he knew of others who couldn’t stand the pressure. He didn’t know how long he stayed on the mountain, but he waited until the floodlights went off, then the lights in the community center.

  He started back to the cabin.

  * * *

  LISA DIDN’T UNDERSTAND the jab of disappointment she felt when Jubal Pierce left so abruptly.

  She tried to tamp it down. She accompanied Kerry in putting Susie in the car for the short time they would be at the reception, making sure the windows were half down. It was cool enough for her to be comfortable. They then joined Eve and Stephanie in the community center. She thought it important to meet the people she would be treating.

  The room to the right of the entry hall had been decorated. Two punch bowls and a coffee urn sat on a bar in the corner. Tables were covered with cupcakes and brownies as well as healthier snacks.

  Kerry picked one small brownie and Lisa, still full from dinner, opted for coffee only.

  “How did you like the pageant?” Stephanie asked Kerry.

  “Very much. Mr. Morgan was great. So was the choir.”

  “It’s last year’s school choir with a few additional adults.”

  “Maybe I could join,” Kerry said shyly.

  “I don’t know why not. The school has a great drama department, as well,” Stephanie added. “With the exception of a few graduating seniors who have left town, they’ve all continued to perform with the pageant.”

  Lisa was introduced to a number of new people. She tried to mentally catalog the new faces, but her mind kept going back to Jubal Pierce and his abrupt departure.

  Then Lisa saw Gordon and Nate enter together. “You have a good worker there,” Nate told her.

  Gordon straightened from his usual slouch. “Didn’t do much,” he mumbled.

  “Don’t believe him,” Nate said. “He catches on quick and he moves fast.”

  Gordon? Her brother? “Thanks for taking him under your wing,” Lisa said.