“Then, you have a choice, Mayor Banks. Disregard the audit and continue forward, possibly allowing a member of your staff to continue to steal from Baytown and face the press when it inevitably becomes public,” she paused for emphasis. “Or hire me to investigate. It’s purely your choice, but if you decide on me, I can give you my word that I am professionally discrete but will not shirk from asking questions and doing the proper digging.”
Corwin nodded and stood, offering his hand. “I appreciate your time. I’ll let you know what the Town Council decides.”
She watched him leave and slumped back into her chair. Glancing at the clock on the wall, she was stunned it was only a few minutes after three o’clock. She was ready to go home already. Checking her calendar, she remembered she had an introductory Auxiliary meeting that evening and was leaving Emily with a sitter. Tempted to skip it, she grimaced, knowing she needed to do more to get out into the community.
Sighing heavily, she opened the Finn’s Pub file on her desk and continued to work, trying to ignore the irritating thoughts of Aiden MacFarlane that kept creeping into her mind. The way his long, dark hair was swept back from his face as though his hands had continually brushed it back. His blue eyes, the intensity that pierced directly into her. He was tall, and muscular…and a complete jerk!
Dropping her head to the desk, she groaned. As much as she wanted to deny it, even considering his horrible attitude there was something about him that sparked an interest. And it had been a long time since anyone had done that.
Rapping the gavel upon the podium, Jillian called the Baytown American Legion Auxiliary’s meeting to order. Lia looked around at the gathering, her attention brought back to the front as Jillian spoke.
“Rise for the Advancement of the Colors,” Jillian announced.
The large group of women in the building rose to their feet as Ginny Spencer, the Sergeant-at-Arms, marched forward carrying the American flag.
A Methodist minister from the town said the prayer before Jillian led the group in the Allegiance to the Flag. After Ginny had taken her seat again, Jillian read the preamble to the Constitution of the American Legion and then called Nancy Evans to the podium for the reading of the last meeting’s minutes. She was still trying to remember who everyone was and how they were related to each other. She had met the Police Chief, Mitch Evans, and knew that Nancy was his mother and Tori was his wife. She was fairly sure Nancy was also Jillian’s aunt, but was uncertain the exact relationship.
After Nancy completed her task, Jillian called Corrine MacFarlane, Katelyn’s mom, to read the treasurer’s report. She leaned slightly to the side to get a better look at Corrine. She could see the familial resemblance between mother and daughter, but it was Aiden’s face that came to mind. He had been so dismissive of her today in her office. Just one more example of his arrogance. How can his sister and mother be so nice, and he be such a jerk?
Katelyn, as Vice President, took the podium and her focus jerked back to what was being said. Katelyn called upon the committee chairs to report as well.
Tori, taking the stand, said, “The music festival in the park is coming up and we still need more baked goods to sell. The entire proceeds of the festival go to the American Legion and Auxiliary. Let me know if you can send some baked items in.”
Several other committees reported as well, then Jillian announced, “At our next meeting, we will be inducting several new members to our chapter of the American Legion Auxiliary. Last time, we met a couple of them and, tonight, I’d like to acknowledge Amelia Smith. I hope that you will make her welcome as she and her daughter are new to Baytown. Lia, would you like to introduce yourself to the group? You can just stand and say a few words.”
Glad that Jillian had informed her earlier that she would be doing this, she stood and smiled nervously toward the large gathering. “Hello. I’m Amelia Smith and I have an accounting business here in town, taking over for Mr. Redding. I’m pleased to be considered for membership in your organization. My…uh…husband was in the Marines, serving in Afghanistan. He…” Her mouth suddenly dry, she licked her lips, stunned that she had gone blank. The smiling faces of the women near her did not penetrate the cold that surrounded her heart.
“Your husband? You were talking about your husband,” one of the elderly women sitting next to her prompted.
With a mental shake, she blurted, “I’m a widow.” As soon as the words were out, she could see the sympathy in everyone’s eyes. Her gaze jumped to Jillian, still standing at the podium.
“That’s fine, Lia. Thank you,” Jillian rushed, her face registering regret.
“No…no, it’s fine. Uh…my husband was killed in action three years ago. Uh…anyway, thank you for allowing me to serve alongside you in the Auxiliary.” Sitting quickly, she clasped her hands together, hoping to still the shaking.
With a final prayer and the retirement of colors, Jillian read the Auxiliary Charge. “Till we meet again let us remember that our obligation to our Country can be fulfilled only by the faithful performance of all duties of citizenship. Let service to the community, state and nation be ever a main objective of the American Legion Auxiliary and its members. Let us ever be watchful of our organization and ourselves, that nothing shall swerve us from the path of Justice, Freedom, Loyalty and Democracy.” After that, she pronounced, “If there is no further business to come before this meeting, the meeting is adjourned.”
She listened numbly to the end of the meeting and then plastered a smile on her face to greet the many members who came to meet her. Their names and faces began to run together, but she desperately tried to keep them straight in her mind, some telling her about sons and husbands, brothers and fathers all lost at war.
Just as the walls were beginning to close in around her, she was left with a small group of women she knew, having met them around town or at the school or work.
Katelyn wrapped her arm around her shoulders and said, “Come to Finn’s with us.”
She wiped her brow with a shaky hand, looking at the friendly faces of Jillian, Tori, Madelyn, and Belle. Jade, Emily’s new school teacher, was also part of the gathering. Looking at the group of women she mentally titled Katelyn’s Crew she felt torn between wanting to spend more time with them and feeling exhausted.
Making the excuse of needing to get back to relieve her babysitter, she accepted Katelyn’s hug and, with a wave goodbye, walked outside to her car. She lived in North Heron County, just outside of town in a small neighborhood along one of the bay waterways. Thankful for the short drive home, she nonetheless sat in the car for a moment, attempting to still the shaking of her hands. Thinking of her husband, Carl, always had that affect on her now. Forcing a calm façade onto her face before she went in to see Emily, she climbed from her vehicle.
Opening the front door, she walked into her small living room, spying Emily in her pajamas, piled up on the sofa, watching a movie with one of the teenagers in the neighborhood who was babysitting.
“Don’t you all look comfortable,” she called out, gaining Susie and Emily’s attention.
Emily jumped up and ran to her, throwing her arms around her waist and giving her a hug. Bending to kiss the top of her head, she shot a look toward Susie. “Everything go okay?”
Susie, a pretty, blonde, high school junior, stood and smiled. “We were fine, weren’t we, Emily?”
Emily did not respond immediately so Susie moved closer to her and repeated her words.
Emily’s face brightened with a huge smile. “Yes, we had fun! We watched movies and ate popcorn and played games.”
“Fabulous,” she said, kissing her daughter’s forehead. “Let me pay Susie and you head on to bed. I’ll be there in a few minutes.”
Emily hugged Susie before running up the stairs. Taking out her wallet, she turned to Susie, holding out the money. “Thank you so much,” she said with sincerity. “It means a lot to have someone I can trust with her.”
“She was a doll. We had no p
roblems at all, Ms. Smith. Call me anytime.” With that, Susie headed out, jogging across the street to her house.
Watching until Susie was safely in her front door, she closed and locked hers. Refusing to give into the thoughts threatening to drown her, she sucked in a deep breath and headed to the stairs.
She found Emily, teeth brushed, and already in bed with her doll tucked in next to her. “My, my, you are ready, aren’t you?”
Emily grinned the snaggle-toothed smile that always melted her heart. Sitting on the side of the bed, she tucked her in. “Since tonight was Mommy’s night out, I’ve got a surprise for this weekend.” Seeing her daughter’s wide eyes, she laughed. “There’s a music festival in the park and we’re going to go.”
Emily scrunched her nose and cocked her head to the side. “What kind of music?”
“Hmm,” she thought, her forehead crinkled. “I really don’t know, but I do know that there will be food and games, as well as the music.”
That brought a smile to Emily’s face. “I might see some of my friends there.”
Nodding, she pulled the covers up to her chin, making sure to tuck her doll in as well. “I’m glad you’re making friends at school. And I’m sure your teacher, Ms. Greene, will be there also.”
Another huge smile met her with that statement and she made a mental note to specifically thank Jade for being so helpful with Emily’s transition to Baytown Elementary.
“Okay, baby girl, it’s time for you to go to sleep.” With a final kiss, she turned out the light and headed back downstairs. Walking directly to the kitchen, she pulled down a wine glass and opened the refrigerator. Pouring a glass of Riesling, she moved into the living room.
Standing at the fireplace mantle, she stared at the framed pictures. The photograph of her holding newborn Emily drew her in. Carl was not in that picture. Taking a large gulp of the wine, she worked to steady her breathing as memories flooded back.
* * *
Their wedding with his military squad in attendance, Carl resplendent in his uniform. Setting up house in a tiny apartment outside the military base. Her disappointment in his immediate tour taking him overseas. Working for an accounting firm while he was in Afghanistan, feeling like she was living only half a life. Reveling in his trip home, celebrating it by barely leaving the apartment, and then discovering she was pregnant. Skyping with him during her pregnancy until she was due. They even skyped as she was delivering.
Carl taking a stateside position after his overseas tour was over. The feeling of bliss at their perfect life, perfect marriage, perfect family.
The concern that turned to fear as they watched Emily appear disinterested in her surroundings and her struggle to speak. Then discovering she was completely deaf in her left ear and had partial hearing in her right.
The doctors. The diagnosis. Sensorineural hearing loss. The speech therapists. The audiologists. The tears, the fears. The promise she made to her daughter that she would do everything in her power to help her. Watching helplessly as Carl began to distance himself from Emily…and then her. The arguments. His refusal to learn basic sign language in case she needed to communicate with her hands instead of her voice.
Then came the argument that occurred the night he came home and told her that he had put in for another overseas tour. More tears, more fears. But they fell on ears that could hear but did not care.
This tour was unlike the first. Few calls. Few letters. No skyping. Until the letter that came where he said that he did not know what would happen when he returned, but it was too painful for him to be around Emily…that her deafness was something he did not know how to handle.
Her tears dried up and her fears turned to anger. How dare he think that a father could pick and choose the difficulties their child might face. How dare he leave her to be the parent while he simply removed himself from her life.
But, before she had a chance to let Carl know just how much of a coward he was, the visit came. The Chaplain. The Commander.
Her husband…the war hero…the slain Marine. Leaving behind a sweet three-year-old daughter who already had enough obstacles to face.
She accepted the condolences. She buried her husband. She kept the folded flag, to give to Emily someday. She had a framed photograph of Carl in his uniform on Emily’s bookshelf so that she would have that memento. And, deep inside, she also buried the shame of knowing if he had lived, he planned on leaving them both. She wished the anger could be buried as easily.
* * *
Taking another large gulp of wine, she finished the glass quickly. She kept the photograph on the mantle for Emily, but also to remind herself that things are not always what they seem. The steadiest man can fall short.
Blowing out a long, slow breath, she walked back into the kitchen and rinsed out her glass before heading upstairs. Once inside her bedroom, she slipped out of her clothes and pulled on her silk pajamas. A smile slid over her face as she ran her hands over the smooth material. It was one of her few indulgences, but she told herself that the softness made her sleep better.
With a shake of her head, she moved into the bathroom. After removing her makeup and brushing out her hair, she moisturized her face. Standing, she stared at the reflection looking back. Carl used to tell her she was the prettiest woman he ever met and how lucky he was that she accepted his marriage proposal. At the time, it warmed her heart but, now, she saw the words as shallow.
She had been an adornment. And so had Emily. But, when Emily had been less than perfect in his eyes, he had no idea how to cope. So weak…such a weak man. As she continued to stare into the mirror, she reached over to flip off the light, plunging the room and her reflection into darkness.
Climbing into bed, she lay, her mind sliding to her meeting with Aiden MacFarlane—again. There was no denying he was gorgeous. If she let herself, she could stare into his eyes for hours, getting lost in their intensity. He was the first man she found herself attracted to since Carl, but that was just surface level. The first time she saw him he showed himself to be a player and then, when they officially met, he judged her nearly instantly. Rolling over, she knew he was exactly what would never be right for her or Emily. He would never be able to accept someone with special needs…someone who had to be placed above all individual needs. As she continued her restless tossing and turning, she wondered if there was such a man.
6
The music festival was in full swing as Aiden scanned the area looking for his friends. He stood near the band, who was set up in the white gazebo on one end of the park. Baytown was developed on a grid, streets running straight east to west and north to south. The beach was on the east side of town with Main Street on the south side. The Baytown Park was located in the middle of the town, taking up several blocks in each direction, which made it the perfect venue for an event like this.
Blankets and lawn chairs littered the area and, spotting his group, he walked to the side of the park where his friends had settled. The music could still be heard and yet was not too loud, so conversations did not have to be screamed.
As he made his way over, he surveyed who was already there. Mitch and Tori, Jillian and Grant, Lance and Jade, Katelyn and Gareth, Brogan and Ginny, Zac and Madelyn, and Belle and Hunter all sat together on blankets spread in a circle. All couples, some with children, some expecting. It really put into perspective how the Baytown Boys had grown.
Coming up to them, he greeted everyone and kissed his mother’s cheek before shaking his father and grandfather’s hands. Mitch and Jillian’s parents sat nearby, as well as Grant’s parents. He waved to them, smiling at the familiarity of the scene. Having noted that almost everyone was paired, he was glad to see several of his single friends were there also. Callan had brought some of his Coast Guard buddies and Jason was hanging with one of his mechanics.
Colt Hudson, the Sheriff of North Heron County and Hannah Freeman, the Police Chief of Easton, came by to call out greetings, both stopping to chat with the gathering.
The music came to a stop and the crowd turned toward the gazebo, seeing Mayor Banks moving to the microphone. Dressed in a suit in spite of the heat, he grinned widely at the crowd and said, “Just giving the band a break so that I can welcome you to the Baytown Annual Music Festival.” As applause broke out, he waved congenially, his jowls shaking as he bobbed his head.
“And I wanted to take this opportunity to remind everyone to come out for the next mayoral election. Of course, I’ll be running again and hope to count on your vote to keep Baytown moving forward as one of the best coastal towns in the south.”
The applause came again, but Aiden and his friends just grinned. His mother sighed, “He’s a blowhard, but I can’t fault what he’s done for the town.”
Others nodded in agreement before turning their attention back to the gazebo where the tall, thin town manager, Silas Mills, moved up beside Corwin.
“I also want to say that our intrepid town manager, Silas Mills, will be continuing to serve and has my support as he brings new ideas to our fair city, such as this Music Festival.”
“Ohh, posh,” Jillian grumbled. “Silas has done nothing but complain every time we come up with a money-making project for the community. I can take Corwin, in small doses,but Silas is such a little—”
“No name calling,” Tori said, hushing her friend as she looked at her little one playing nearby.
Jillian stopped, but said, “You know I’m right. He’s always complaining about our husbands and the whole police department as well.”
The others nodded, glad when Corwin and Silas left the stage and the band began to play again.
Standing close to Katelyn, Aiden accepted a soda and gratefully took one of the sandwiches she had brought from the pub. Enjoying the music, he startled when she called out, “Lia! Over here!”
Hear My Heart Page 4