Darla folded over and clenched her body until it shook. Facing that horrible man again, even though she had every right, would be impossible. Imagining the confrontation made lightning bolts of fear streak through her body. Telling her story to a magazine or newspaper might be easier, but at some point, she’d be forced to confront him. He was a rich, powerful man in the state. He could ruin her career. He could sully her reputation. He could make it impossible to continue living in Highland Springs.
“Maybe it’s best you not say anything.”
She appreciated his sympathy, and the momentary relief, but she had to dig deep, be strong, and face the beast.
“Meghan’s already disappointed in me. I’ll have to confront him if I want her respect.”
“Can it be done without it hitting the press?”
“What do you mean?”
“Maybe tell him, but keep it between the two of you.”
She’d wanted nothing more than to keep it quiet, but Meghan expected more from her. She needed a strong, fearless mother.
“That would be easier, but she’s expecting me to say something publicly before he runs for reelection.”
“You can’t do that. Think how it would affect us. I’ll talk to Meghan.”
“Please don’t. She already thinks I’m a coward. Your running interference between us will only make her resent me more.”
“She doesn’t resent you.”
“You didn’t see her or hear her disappointment. Please let me handle this on my own.”
Darla’s car crunched over the gravel as she pulled into Clara’s driveway. Four fat, brown chickens pecked among the thick tufts of grass in her front yard. The sun streamed over the mountain, illuminating the hazy, humid air. Instead of seeking legal advice from Kate or having some good, commonsense girl talk with Liza, she’d turned to the old lady who had visions and spoke in riddles. She still couldn’t admit her past to her friends, and she knew Clara would hold her secrets in confidence.
“Well, my gracious.” Clara stepped out to her wooden porch, tugging her hand-knitted sweater around her middle. “I wasn’t expecting you until tomorrow.”
“I didn’t tell you I was coming tomorrow, did I?” Darla climbed the three stairs and met the tiny lady with a brief hug. She placed the bag of groceries she’d brought along in her wrinkled hand.
“No, but that’s what I saw. I guess my radar is a little off.”
Darla chuckled, knowing full well it wasn’t radar that spoke to Clara, but some strange, cosmic spirit. She guided her great-aunt to one of the plastic chairs on her porch and took a seat in the other.
“I brought you a loaf of sourdough bread.” Darla pointed to the grocery bag now sitting on the floor between them. “There are some fresh vegetables in there, too. Nothing that needs refrigeration.”
“Thank you, dear. You’re too good to me.”
“It’s my pleasure, Aunt Clara, you know that.”
They sat without talking for a few minutes, each seeming to enjoy the cool of the early morning. Maybe if she sat quietly, Clara would have a vision that would help Darla decide what to do about Clyde Fletcher. She’d predicted the hummingbird would appear, that being Meghan. Would she have a message to help her figure out her next steps?
“Something’s troubling you, Darla Jean. I can see it in your eyes.”
Clara was nearly blind with cataracts, but what she saw went deeper than the physical.
“Yes, I’ve got a lot on my mind.”
“The hummingbird is angry, seeking revenge.”
A shiver streaked down Darla’s spine. How did Clara know all of this?
“She can’t. She’s not well.”
“It’s up to you. You must avenge the hummingbird.”
Clara said what she’d feared most.
“But how? I can’t face him. He’ll ruin me. Everything I’ve worked for.”
Clara’s eyes glazed over and she glanced out over the holler, seeming to forget Darla was there. She was back in her mystic state.
“The mighty beast will fall and the flock will triumph. Change is coming. Change is here. You will lead the charge.”
“But—”
“The mountains will roar and the ground will swell.”
Okay, now she’s totally snapped her twig.
“And in the end, the hummingbird and the silver fox will dwell with you in harmony.”
Clara laid her soft, veiny hand on Darla’s as her vision cleared. “You’re going to be very happy one day soon, dear. Have everything you’ve ever wanted.”
“But how do I go about it? What should I do?”
“Speak up. Face the beast.”
Darla knew the time had come to confront her attacker, stand strong, and tell him about Meghan.
“The beast must be taken down. It’s time, dear. You’re not the only one he’s hurt. There are others.”
All this time, she convinced herself she’d been the only one to suffer from Clyde Fletcher’s depravity, but deep in her soul she knew he may have done the same thing to another young, unsuspecting girl. For the past eighteen years, she’d held in the hurt, the humiliation, when she could’ve turned to another girl for support who understood what she’d been through. If this was the flock to which Clara referred, she had to find them. But how?
***
Jason snapped the lid on his laptop and shoved it deep inside his leather messenger bag. He’d just plugged in the grades from his last class, having wrapped up final exams in record time. He wanted to get home to check on Meghan. She’d been pale and barely spoken to him when he left for work this morning. She still hadn’t talked to him about her lunch with Darla the day before.
Ten minutes later, he pulled into the parking space outside their townhouse and slipped the key in the lock. The house was quiet—too quiet.
“Meghan?” He yelled up the staircase. “Hey, Meg, are you home?”
When he got no answer, he took the steps in twos and opened her bedroom door without knocking. It was empty. Her bed was neatly made and the lights were out. He checked her desk in hopes that she’d left him a note, but there was nothing on it but a Harry Potter book she was reading for the fifth time. He pulled out his cell phone and gave Karen a call.
“Hey, is Meghan over there?”
“No, I haven’t seen her.”
“What about Kristin? Can you ask her if she’s heard from Meghan?”
“She’s at school. I can text her, but she’s not supposed to use her cell phone.”
Jason paced in a circle, searching his brain for possibilities, but came up with nothing.
“Maybe she went to school. Have you called there?” At least Karen was thinking logically.
“The doctor didn’t want her going back to school yet, but that’s a possibility. I’ll check with them.”
Meghan didn’t have a car but could’ve called one of her friends for a ride to school. He tapped the contact information for the high school as he imagined the scenario. Feeling pent up and tired of lying around, Meghan probably called Kristin or another friend. It was her senior year, and she didn’t want to miss her last few days. Maybe that’s what happened.
When he learned she wasn’t in school, he tried her cell phone again, but after several rings, it went to voice mail. He tried calling all her friends’ cell numbers stored in his phone, but got no answer. Worry took his breath. Did she go out for a walk and collapse somewhere? He searched her room, not finding her purse, which usually hung on her desk chair. She’d definitely gone out, but where?
Jason ran downstairs, grabbed his keys, and climbed back into his car. He would search every place he could think she might go—the library, Starbucks, the pizza place—while putting in a call to the sporting goods store where she worked. Maybe they asked her to come in.
After checking all her favorite spots, he pulled over onto the shoulder and considered putting in a call to the police. The longest she could’ve been gone was two hours. Was that too early to
call law enforcement? While still parked along the roadway, he called some of her friends’ mothers, hoping they knew something, but they hadn’t heard from her. There was only one other possibility.
“Jason, hi.” Darla’s voice was stronger and more chipper than the last time they spoke.
“I’m sorry to bother you.”
“You’re not bothering me. I’m on my way to a community center board meeting.”
“I won’t keep you. Have you heard from Meghan this morning?” He held his breath as he waited, hoping she had.
“No. I’m the last person she wants to talk to right now. Remember?”
“She’s not home, and I don’t know where she’s gone. I’ve called everyone I can think of.”
“You sound worried.”
“I am. She’s not supposed to be going out on her own. What if she loses her breath or blacks out again?”
That was his biggest fear. What if she’d walked to the park and collapsed with no one around to help her? She could be alone, her breathing erratic, and her heart struggling to beat. He had to find her.
SIXTEEN
“The next item on the agenda is the fall fundraiser. Before Sam gives his report, we need to talk about the progress being made on the roof replacement. It seems to me…”
Darla could barely pay attention as Arthur Hansrote, president of the community center board, droned on about the roof repairs. She was worried about Meghan. Where could she have gone? If Arthur didn’t wrap up this meeting soon, she’d walk out. Jason could use her help making calls, searching around town. It was her fault Meghan had gone off without telling anyone, and she should be there to help.
Maybe she was on her way to Highland Springs to see Darla. She should’ve called first if that was her plan. Perhaps she took a bus. Surely she wouldn’t have gone off on her own, walking or hitchhiking, knowing the dangers. Damn it, Arthur, hurry up.
“Thank you, Sam, for the fundraiser update.”
She had totally missed Sam’s report.
“That about covers it, folks.”
Thank God. Darla stuffed her agenda and handouts into her tote bag and shoved back her chair.
“But I have one more thing to mention.” Arthur, no! “As you all know, our very own Darla Heartwood is being recognized by the city council as Highland Spring’s Citizen of the Year for her volunteerism, career success, and all-around good citizenship.”
Darla dropped into her chair, letting her tote bag fall to the floor. She should’ve escaped earlier.
“I think it’s important that all of us attend the ceremony, which is being held next weekend during the Raspberry Festival. I have tickets to the barbecue, which includes the presentation of Darla’s award and a performance by Brody Fisk. Can I count on everyone to buy a ticket?”
While the board huddled around Arthur to purchase their tickets, Darla made her exit. She couldn’t possibly accept an award, considering her past. Former award recipients had squeaky-clean reputations. But if she refused the award, she’d have to give a logical reason. Just as she was a coward to face Clyde Fletcher, she was afraid to tell the world about her daughter. She couldn’t handle their pity or disgust or scorn. Small-town folks would judge her and never forget. Her career would be over.
“Darla, wait up.” Virginia pushed through the community center door, waving her hand to get her attention. She rushed across the parking lot and met her at her car. “Lordy, honey, I thought I wouldn’t catch you. You sure hurried out of there.”
“I’m sorry, Virginia, I have a lot on my plate today.”
“I imagine so. I ran into Jamie the other day. He said your spec house is coming along nicely.”
“Yes. In fact, I promised to meet him over there ten minutes ago.”
Darla felt her face flush. She hated to lie to Virginia, but she really needed to check in with Jason.
“Well, this will only take a minute. I lined up a reporter and photographer from the paper to do an article about your award.” Eighty-one years old and still running circles around everyone, there wasn’t a committee or board Virginia didn’t serve on. “It’s Rowena Sloan. She’ll be calling you soon to set up a time.”
“I don’t think an article is necessary.”
“Of course it is. This is a very prestigious award.” Virginia gripped Darla’s arm, hampering her escape. “Citizen of the Year always makes the front page. It’s your chance to toot your own horn.”
“I can’t…”
“Now, honey, I know how modest you are, but you’ve done so much: tutoring, heading up the clothing drive, managing the food bank, even volunteering on the pediatric floor at the hospital. I can’t list all that you’ve done.”
“You make me out to be a saint.”
“Darn close. You need to list everything for the article.” Virginia patted her arm and adjusted her purse strap on her bony shoulder. “Now, I won’t keep you. Run along, honey. I’ll see you at the gallery opening on Thursday.”
Darla sagged against her car, shaking her head. How had she gotten into this mess? Until a few weeks ago, she was happy about the award. Now it was painful to admit she was a fraud. Sure, she’d happily done plenty of volunteer work, but everyone seemed to hold her up on a pedestal. She didn’t deserve the award.
She climbed into her stifling car and rolled down the windows to clear out the hot, stale air. Her cell phone rang, showing Jason’s number on the screen. He’d found Meghan!
“Hi. Where was she?”
“I haven’t found her, but I know where she is.” When Jason blew out a heavy sigh, she knew it was bad. “She’s gone to Charleston to confront Clyde Fletcher.”
“No.”
“Her friend Kristin just called me a few minutes ago. She borrowed Kristin’s car and made her promise not to tell me until she got a head start.”
“I’ll leave right now. I’m only ninety minutes away. Maybe I can get to her before she makes a fool of herself.”
“Is that what you’re worried about? I’m more concerned for her health. What if she passes out behind the wheel?”
“Of course I’m concerned about her health, but facing Clyde Fletcher might exacerbate her condition.”
“If you had dealt with this before, we wouldn’t be in this position.”
Jason’s biting words made the phone wobble in her hand. They hurt. She cared deeply about Meghan’s well-being and had been worried sick about her. She wanted to protect her. Now both Jason and Meghan saw her as nothing but a coward. A sickening feeling burned in her belly. They were right. She was weak—and selfish. She had to find a way to make this right and earn back their trust.
Pulling off the interstate to downtown Charleston in record time, Darla mumbled curses under her breath as she hit red light after red light. Why weren’t these lights synchronized? Traffic was heavy for the middle of the day, and it seemed as though every car was heading toward the capitol. Precious time was wasting. She wanted to catch up to Meghan before she met with Clyde Fletcher. Confronting him was her responsibility.
Rounding the last corner, she lucked into an open space along the sidewalk beside the grassy lawn surrounding the state house. The capitol building’s golden dome glistened in the bright sunshine as she rushed down the sidewalk. Warm and breezy, it would be a great day to walk along the riverfront, but the great weather didn’t calm her nerves. As she turned to make her way up the capitol steps, an ambulance with its lights flashing grabbed her attention. She got a sinking feeling as she watched it pull away.
Running as quickly as her three-inch heels would take her, she rushed up the wide staircase and burst through the double doors, only to be stopped by a security guard.
“What happened?” Darla leaned against the metal detector, sucking in deep breaths. “The ambulance. Who was it?”
“Ma’am, are you okay?”
“I need to know who was in that ambulance.”
“I’m not at liberty to—”
She didn’t have time for
protocol. She grabbed his lapels in both hands, nose to nose with the guard. “Was it a young, dark-haired girl in that ambulance?”
“Ma’am, you need to let go of me.”
“Yes or no.”
“Yes. Now if you don’t mind…”
Darla dropped her grip on the guard and buried her face in her hands. A mix of relief and dread, she took a minute to pull herself together. Meghan had made it to Charleston without having a wreck but must have had a relapse. She ran her hands through her hair, composing herself.
“Do you know to which hospital they are taking her?”
“Charleston Medical Center.”
“Where?”
“Three blocks that way.” He pointed to his right as Darla rushed out the door. She had to get to Meghan, check on her condition. Jason needed to know. What happened? Did she collapse after meeting Clyde Fletcher? Darla’s key fob fumbled in her hand as she tried to open the car door. Her daughter had to be okay.
The short trip took longer than expected, but Darla soon found herself inside the emergency department and at the counter.
“Meghan Byrne. She was just brought in a few minutes ago from the capitol.”
“Yes, ma’am, she’s with the doctor now.”
“I need to see her.”
“Are you a relative?”
Now was not the time to worry about rules and regulations. “I’m her mother.”
“Of course, I’ll be glad to take you back.”
The receptionist guided Darla through the double doors and down a corridor of curtained-off cubicles. Steady beeps from medical equipment, out of sync with each other, created a strange rhythm. Hushed voices, hurried personnel, and the occasional moan ramped up Darla’s nerves.
When they reached the last cubicle, the receptionist pulled the curtain aside and said, “This is Meghan’s mother.” Warmth filled Darla’s heart to be announced as her mother for the first time.
“I’m glad you’re here.” A nurse showed her into the space where Meghan lie unconscious on the hospital bed. “We weren’t sure who to call.”
Whatever It Takes: A Highland Springs Romance (Whatever Series Book 4) Page 13
