Fear the Storm

by Geri Foster

  "You can stop by, but the case files aren't in our office. They're in Dallas."

  He hadn’t known that. Since the officers had been local and the trial held in Denton, seeing as that was the closest Federal Court, not to mention there was no way to form a jury in Rainwater—everyone there knew Jim—he assumed they'd kept the records in Cooke County. "That's not too far, you have a problem with me coming down?"

  "No, I think it should be okay. I doubt they'll let you check anything out, but you can probably look all you want."

  "Who do I contact there?"

  "The evidence clerk. He'll escort you down and stay while you're there." He chuckled, "You know how tight we hold everything to our chests. Scared of being shown up, I guess."

  "I only need to look. I'll call before I come."

  "As long as you don't have a problem with the Snyder case, I can't see a hold up."

  "No, this is another matter." Lucas paused briefly. "You worked that case, didn't you?"

  "Yeah, me, Longley, Castro, Berger and young Baldwin. Ed Berger was the one with the brains on how banks work. Lawman to lawman, I didn't understand half the stuff they were talking about."

  "I felt the same way. However, it was my first case and my first year on the force."

  "Oh, yeah, you were the young kid that transported Snyder to prison."

  "Yes, that was me."

  "You know the guy personally?"

  "Ever since I was born."

  There was a long, uncomfortable pause.

  "Was he the kind of guy to do something like they claimed?"

  "No, not in a million years." Not wanting to give anything away, he added, "But, in our line of work, the first lesson we learn is that people are never what they seem."

  "That's the truth. I've seen things that made my hair stand up. We tend to deal with people at their worst. I know I've been led down that 'I'm innocent' alley a few times, myself."

  "Well, like I said, it was my first year."

  "I have to run. Good luck tomorrow."

  Hanging up, Lucas glanced at the clock and noticed it was now or never if he was going to Gert's Diner. Kendall had called and said she had to finish up her last customer then she'd join them. That is, if Rachel even showed.

  He didn't intend to hold his breath.

  He gave the Dallas FBI office a call to make sure he could get into the evidence locker tomorrow, then he picked up his Stetson and left. He didn't see Rachel’s car when he arrived but decided, since he hadn't had lunch, he'd go in regardless. If she chickened out, so be it. He wasn't going to go crawling to her to let him help her prove her dad's innocence.

  He walked in and right off the bat he noticed that Aaron and his boys were giving Candi a hard time. He and his hired hands were teasing her about her being such a lying troublemaker when she was anything but that.

  Candi fought back tears.

  He walked over to the counter where the hands from the ranch sat and tapped Aaron on the shoulder. He turned and scowled. They'd talked before about how he treated Candi. Apparently, he hadn’t listened.

  "What do you want, Sheriff?" Aaron snarled, implying being a lawman didn't mean much to the richest kid in town.

  "I want your lazy ass off that stool and in your pickup heading home. Take your buddies here with you."

  "You don't tell me what to do."

  Lucas grabbed him by the collar, yanked him up and dragged him to the door. Once there, he tossed him onto the walkway. "Get out of here. I see you taunting Candi again, I'm going to lock your sorry ass up." He kicked Aaron’s boot. "You hear me?"

  "I hear you." He got to his feet. "Let's just see what my daddy has to say about the way you're treating me."

  Marcus, Candi’s cousin, stood and walked to the door of the cafe. "I'd leave if I were you, Aaron. If she ever challenged you and it was determined that boy was yours, which we all know he is, she could own you and your daddy both. Cut your losses and leave."

  The guys all took off. Lucas shook hands with his friend as he watched them leave. "Thanks. I almost wish she would."

  "Candi isn't that kind of person. She's too good hearted. Besides, she wants to keep Tyler away from him and I don't blame her."

  "That family is a royal pain. Now, I'll end up having to listen to his dad threaten to take my job."

  Marcus laughed. He and Candi were Grandma Faith’s, the oldest Canfield sister, grandchildren. "The citizens of Rainwater won't let that happen."

  Lucas thought about Grandma Mercy. "I wouldn't be so sure."

  His heart kicked up as Rachel pulled into the parking lot. He tried to calm his nerves and control his breathing, but being around her made him want to own her. To never let her get away again. He had no control over her life though and, even with last night's kiss still on his lips, in his mind, and etched on his heart, he knew the gap between them might just be too big to ever conquer. Didn’t mean he wasn’t going to try though.

  "I see Rachel is in town," Marcus said as he turned his gaze to Lucas. "I wish she and Aunt Shirley would move back to Rainwater."

  "I seriously doubt that will ever happen."

  "That's a shame. I always got along with her so well. She’s family and all."

  Lucas tore his gaze from Rachel. "You say they’re family, but you didn't defend Jim Snyder in court. Why?"

  Marcus shrugged and tilted his head. "He never asked me to. Besides, Stan Mayer was a better man for the job. I hadn't handled a criminal case before. I would've been useless."

  "As useless as Mayer?"

  Marcus lowered his head. "Because of the severity of the case, Jim could've used better representation. I don't know why they didn't appoint someone better."

  "I’ve always wondered the same thing. The way Stan Mayer acted, he was nothing more than a spectator."

  Marcus looked away. "It was a difficult and complex case. I don't think I could've done any better."

  "Is there a lawyer who specializes in these kinds of cases?"

  "One of the best is in Denton. Good friend of mine. His name is Pete Webster. He's an ex-Math Professor and used to be on the board of directors for the First Bank of Denton. That's his specialty."

  "Wonder why they didn't get him?"

  "I wouldn’t know. The decision is up to the County Prosecutor or DA."

  He said good-bye to Marcus just as Rachel met him at the door, wearing a nice red sweater, tight jeans and knee-high boots. Her blondish, long hair was piled haphazardly on top of her head, and only a light hint of make-up touched her face.

  She looked gorgeous. And mad.

  Seeing Lucas standing outside Gert's Diner made Rachel want to get back in her Honda and drive away. No one could imagine how difficult, and conflicting, it was to look at him and want to rush into his arms. Especially after her mom’s confession about him visiting her dad.

  Beneath his Stetson, his blue eyes almost sparkled in the afternoon sun. Not to mention how well his uniform melded onto his powerful body. She swallowed hard and tried to smile. "Where's Kendall?"

  "She'll be a few minutes. She's finishing up a customer."

  She saw Marcus and gave him a big hug and reminded him of the birthday party for her grandma. She knew he, his parents and Grandma Hope would all be there. Lucas opened the door and she walked under his arm into the warm diner. Candi smiled and mouthed a thank you to Lucas. She didn't know what that was about, but it didn't concern her. They found an empty booth and sat opposite of each other.

  He folded his hand on the laminated table and jumped right in. "If you think I'm going to apologize for kissing you last night, you'd be barking up the wrong tree."

  She lowered her gaze. "I don't expect that."

  "Good," he said, then smiled when Candi came to the table.

  "Thanks for kicking out Aaron and his gang. The owner told me to call you the next time they come in here, but I hate to bother you."

  "It's not a bother."

  "I know, but he's harmless. It's all just crazy t
alk."

  "That doesn't mean you have to tolerate it. He needs to learn some manners."

  "Well, maybe after today, he'll stay away for a while."

  Lucas leaned back. "He doesn't bother you at home, does he?"

  "God no. My daddy keeps his shotgun at the door just for that. He'd love to go out to the ranch and tell the whole lot what he thinks of them." Candi laughed. “I honestly don’t know who’s worse—my dad or Grandma Faith. She’s more likely to shoot him than Dad.”

  "Good."

  Candi took out her pad. "What can I get you?"

  "I'm having chicken fried steak and mashed potatoes—"

  "I know, extra gravy."

  "That's right," he smiled

  "What about you, Rachel?" she lowered her head and blushed. "I should've asked you first since you're the lady."

  "That's okay. Besides, he's hungrier than I am. I'll have a piece of apple pie and coffee."

  "Don't you dare give her the last piece of Hazel's apple pie," Lucas said. "I'm going to be wanting that for dessert."

  Candi laughed, and she wondered why she and Lucas had never gotten together. They were both single, attractive, and had known each other all through school.

  "Don't you worry, Lucas. I'll save you a piece."

  After Candi walked away, she said, "She seems to like you."

  "She’s kind of like a sister. When I found out Aaron had gotten her pregnant and had no intention of marrying her or taking care of the child, I pounded the hell out of that little snot-nosed brat."

  "You never liked him anyway." She glanced at Candi as she moved around the café.

  "No, I never did. And I guess I was right all along."

  "How old is her little boy now? It is a boy, right?"

  "Yes, boy's name is Tyler and he's five. Cute little fella. I took him fishing last Saturday."

  She leaned back and laughed. "You took a five-year-old fishing?"

  He frowned. "Of course, I did. Usually me and Candi's dad go, but he couldn't, so I took the little guy by myself." He smiled. "Never too young to learn to fish."

  That was doubtful. "I bet he was a real angler."

  "A guy has to learn sometime. My earliest memory of me and my daddy is sitting on a river bank." He looked at her kindly, "Your dad liked to fish, too."

  The thought of her dad rotting in a cell saddened her and made her feel guilty to be sitting in a diner waiting for her order. "Yes, I remember that. Mom used to have a fit when he came home smelling like dirty river water."

  "Never stopped him."

  "No, it didn't." She looked down at her hands, clutched so tightly her knuckles were white. "I'm sorry about what I said yesterday. I didn't mean to insult you about him."

  "Since there were so many, I have to ask, which one are you referring to?"

  Heat scorched her cheeks. "I didn't know you've been visiting him. My mom told me." She nibbled her lips, nearly choking on the apology. "I'm sorry I was so rude. Thank you for seeing him. I’m sure he appreciates that."

  "You don't need to thank me. I don't do it for you. I do it because I respect and admire him." He observed her then, tilting his head.

  “What?”

  “Nothing. You’re just looking at me like you’re seeing me for the first time.”

  Her mouth fell open, contemplating that, but she gathered herself quickly. “Yeah, I guess in some ways I am.” There was silence for a minute, then, she cleared her throat and offered, "Thanks anyway."

  "You're welcome."

  Candi brought their drinks and Lucas groaned. Turning to see what he was looking at, she noticed Mr. Burke walking through the door. He rushed to their table immediately.

  "I told you that I wanted her, and her mama, ran out of town. We don't want a bank robber's family coming back to Rainwater," he stomped his foot. "Now get her out of here."

  Lucas held up his hand. "Lower your voice."

  "I won't do any such thing. I want them gone."

  "Let me remind you that you don't have the authority to ask anyone to leave town. Rachel and her mom are here because they have a right to visit their hometown whenever they want."

  "Even after what Jim Snyder did?"

  Out of nowhere, a purse slapped Mr. Burke beside the head and knocked off his toupee. He staggered into a nearby booth then slumped to the floor on his hands and knees. To Rachel's horror she looked up to see her grandma's sister, Hope McCall, standing there looking like an aging Wonder Woman.

  As Mr. Burke struggled to his feet, Grandma Hope swung again, hitting him in the stomach and knocking him backwards on the floor.

  Lucas jumped up between them and put his arms out. "Now, Miss Hope, you can't go around hitting people with that lethal weapon you call a purse."

  Marcus, who had been sitting at the counter, jumped up to intervene.

  Grandma Hope reached around Lucas and kicked Mr. Burke, who'd managed to crawl out from under the table, in the shin. He howled.

  "Get up, you old rat, you!" Grandma Hope shouted. "Get up, so I can knock you down again." She shook her left fist and swung her purse with the other. "You're an old hypocrite reprobate, if ever I knew one. Going around acting like you can throw people out of Rainwater."

  Lucas moved behind Burke to get his hands beneath his arms to lift the older man to his feet while Marcus grappled with Grandma Hope. Being so wiry, she managed to break loose, draw back her purse and hit poor Burke in the groin. He screamed, grabbing his crotch.

  Rachel had never seen the owner of the bank look more helpless. She fought back a grin. Way to go Grandma Hope.

  Lucas moved him to one booth, picked up his hairpiece and stuck it on his head backwards, then physically sat Grandma Hope in another booth. "Take it easy, for crying out loud."

  They watched Mr. Burke, his clothes disheveled, his toupee slid to the side, stand up and limp out of the diner.

  Lucas glared at Grandma Hope. "What in the hell do you carry in that purse?"

  She reached in and pulled out two cans of peaches. "I learned this from the self-defense class at the Senior Center. You have to make your purse heavy enough to cause some damage." She gave him a dimpled grin. "I went to the store that day and they had peaches, two cans for a dollar."

  Lucas pointed at the bag, "You could kill someone with that."

  Grandma Hope stood up, lifted her chin and headed toward the door. "Not no one that don't deserve it."

  Rachel and Lucas looked up to see Candi and Marcus laughing.

  "Don't you just love her?" Marcus asked.

  "Not really," Lucas mumbled as he took his seat. "Those Canfield women are dangerous."

  "Did he honestly order you to throw me and Mom out of Rainwater? I can't believe he'd do that."

  "He was at my office bright and early this morning." He held up his finger, "But, not before your Grandma Mercy."

  That surprised her. "What did she want?"

  "Me to leave you alone. Evidently she was sneaking a peek from behind the curtains last night."

  "Oh dear," she shook her head. "Please know that I didn't tell her a thing, nor did I send her." She leaned closer. "She didn't hurt you, did she?"

  He straightened at the insult and she tried to hide a grin. When he realized she was only kidding, he chuckled. "No, I lucked out."

  "Good."

  Candi delivered their food and asked if they needed anything else. When they shook their heads, she said, "You know, old man Burke deserves exactly what Grandma Hope gave him. He's so mean and nasty to the customers. I don't even bank there anymore. I drive all the way to Denton."

  "She probably gave him a concussion," Lucas said, cutting into his meat.

  "Oh, she didn't hurt him that bad.” She winked at Rachel, "Lucas, you know our grandmas are Rainwater’s angels."

  He swallowed, then pointed his fork at Candi. "Don't think I've forgotten about the other one. Wasn't it a year ago that she threw a hubcap through Calvin Harden's window when he had to raise the insurance rate on he
r house?"

  "Well, it was rather high," Candi defended. "And Grandma Faith did pay to replace it."

  "Un-huh, and what about the time Grandma Mercy got mad at me for arresting the pastor for being drunk?"

  "Now, you also told her to mind her own business."

  "That's why she knocked out the headlights to my Bronco with a hammer?"

  "She paid—"

  "No, she refused. Told me to lock her up and she'd pay for the damages with time served."

  "I know but—"

  "No buts. And Grandma Hope, who just paid us a visit, got mad at old man Jacobson and threw a library book at him." Lucas's voice rose. "A library book, mind you, and hit him in the head, knocked him down and he had to have three stitches."

  "I can only say, he shouldn't whistle at the young teenage girls as they walk by. He's a dirty old man."

  "Maybe, but instead of naming those women Faith, Mercy and Hope, they should've been called Trouble, Danger and Hazardous."

  Candi leaned down and tightened her lips. "You take that back or I'm going to go to the kitchen and dump the rest of that apple pie in the trash."

  He reached over and grabbed Rachel's dish. "Fine, then I'll just eat hers."

  "Fine." Candi winked at Rachel then turned and stalked away.

  She looked at her pie. "You're not eating my pie. It's mine." She snatched it back. "That should teach you to not say bad things about our wonderful grandmas and piss off Candi."

  He sliced into his steak and stabbed his fork into a bite. "Good, then you'll be surprised to learn that your wonderful grandma said if she catches me kissing you again, she's buying a gun and shooting me."

  "Really?" she feigned surprise. "I can't believe she said that."

  Lucas chewed his food. "Well, she did."

  "I mean, she already has a gun, why would she have to buy one?"

  He swallowed and turned pale.

  She laughed so hard her side hurt. "Those three really keep you on your toes."

  He chuckled. "They're a handful, all right."

  Kendall came in and stood at the end of their booth a shocked expression on her face. "Wow, this is new. You two look like you're enjoying yourselves. I thought about bringing a body bag with me but it looks like I didn’t need it."

  Rachel scooted over, and Kendall slid in beside her. "You missed all the action. Grandma Hope beat up Mr. Burke."