Widow's Secrets

by Shelley Shepard Gray

  Did Liana have this in her life, too? If she didn’t, was there a way he could try to encourage her to begin a journey of faith?

  But of course, she would have to trust him in order to even consider taking his advice...and right now they didn’t have that kind of a relationship.

  Did they even have a relationship?

  “Kent,” his mother whispered. “Closing prayer.”

  Just in time, he flipped the page in his bulletin and got to his feet as the pastor offered them peace and forgiveness, then led them into the closing hymn.

  Next to him, his father sang loud and proud. He’d grown up singing the same songs and now knew them all by heart. Kent and his mother shared a hymnal like they always did, sometimes smiling at each other when his father’s perfect tenor soared to new heights. Yep, Richard Olson was a frustrated wannabe choir member.

  Over and over the director had asked him to sing in the choir or be a cantor during one of the services but his dad had always refused, saying he was a cop, not a singer. But Kent knew better. His dad could handle being both just fine.

  “You sang beautifully today, Richard,” his mom said as the three of them made their way through the parking lot to their cars.

  “Stop,” he groused, though the faint red stain on his cheeks betrayed his pleasure at the compliment. “You know I just like to sing.”

  “And I just like to listen to you. That’s all.” Turning to Kent, his mother smiled. “Want to join us for breakfast? We’re going to Paulie’s.”

  She asked every week. Sometimes he went but today his mind felt too muddled. The last thing he ever wanted to do was sound like an idiot when the conversation turned to work. It was hard enough being in his father’s shadow without embarrassing himself in the process. “Thanks, Mom, but I’m going to take a pass.”

  “Other plans, son?” Dad asked.

  “Just the usual—grocery shopping, laundry, cleaning.”

  His father studied him more closely. “Work going okay?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Crier isn’t giving you too much grief, is he?”

  “Not any more than anyone else.” He grinned at his father. Crier was the sergeant in charge of the cold-case division. There was a joke that the only time the sergeant ever smiled was when his grandchildren stopped by. Kent reckoned it might have some truth to it. The man could turn a rainbow into something to gripe about.

  “That about sums it up,” his father said. “Sergeant Crier’s a good man, though. He listens, too. Don’t forget that.”

  “I won’t.” He didn’t doubt his father was right...but all the same, Kent knew he wouldn’t be having any heart-to-hearts with the crusty sergeant any time in the near future. It had been hard enough to report to Crier after Kent’s meeting with his lieutenant and being reassigned to the cold-case division. Kent hadn’t been happy to be there, and Crier had made it plain that he didn’t appreciate his territory being the dumping ground for cops who’ve messed up.

  Before they discussed anything else about his new life in the basement of the station, Kent hugged his parents. “Enjoy your breakfast. Talk to you soon.”

  Five minutes later Kent was pulling out of the parking lot when he made a sudden decision to turn right onto the highway instead of left toward home. The Dig In Diner had a good breakfast and there was a chance it might be open. And if it was, he might even get to see Liana again.

  Just the thought of that lifted his spirits.

  * * *

  Dig In Diner, like the rest of the little hamlet where it was located, was closed. It seemed the entire population took Sunday seriously. There were few cars on the streets—only an occasional black buggy meandered along the roads. Though he was tempted to drive by Liana’s house on the off chance she might be outside, he refrained. Their relationship was tenuous at best, and he couldn’t afford a single mistake to disrupt it.

  Just as his stomach started to growl and he was regretting his decision not to head on home, he spied a blue house with Jay’s Coffee painted in bright yellow letters on the sign out front. At least a dozen cars and trucks were parked in the lot, along with two bicycles. Eager to fill his stomach, he pulled off the road and took one of the last spots in the back, and then wandered in.

  Jay’s had embraced the blue jay theme. Glossy photographs of various types of birds and charcoal drawings of farms, trees and wildlife decorated all of the walls.

  Other than that bit of kitsch, the shop looked as high-end as anything in his neighborhood did. The scents of fresh coffee and cinnamon and vanilla filled the air. The dozen or so tables were highly polished and sported curved paper placemats in various Easter-egg colors. The counter was freshly painted white and sported a chalkboard above with the daily specials. About half the tables were filled, and there were six or seven people in line. Two of them were Amish, but no one seemed to think anything of the twenty-something couple at all.

  When it was his turn, Kent ordered an egg sandwich with bacon and fresh Gouda and a large latte.

  Just after he paid, he spied Liana Mann in a corner. She was sitting by herself reading a book. A cinnamon roll and a large coffee were in front of her, each looking forgotten.

  He knew he should leave her alone, but he honestly couldn’t do that.

  “Twenty?” the server called.

  “That’s me.” He smiled his thanks as he picked up his drink and plate. Then, because he couldn’t help himself, he walked over to Liana.

  She glanced up when he approached. Apprehension filled her gaze for a moment before she smiled slightly. “Officer Olson. Hello. What brings you here?”

  “Believe it or not, I was going to grab breakfast at the Dig In Diner but it’s closed.”

  She nodded. “Pretty much everything is closed on Sundays around here except for Jay’s.”

  Even though they’d ended things in a better place after his visit to her house, Kent knew he needed to tread carefully. They weren’t friends, she didn’t completely trust him and she was probably very much regretting her decision to help him out.

  That meant he couldn’t give her some line. He needed to be honest. “I’m starving. Do you mind if I join you for a couple of minutes? Most of the tables are full.”

  After glancing around the room, most likely to confirm that what he said was true, Liana nodded. “I guess.” She shook her head. “I mean, that’s fine.” With reluctance, she closed her book and slipped it inside her purse.

  Kent figured he should feel bad that he was ruining her moment of peace, but he didn’t. “Thanks,” he said as he sat down. “I really didn’t want to go eat in my car.”

  Her blue eyes almost softened. “I guess it’s a blessing that you found me, then.”

  “Absolutely,” he said with complete sincerity. “Liana, at the risk of sounding cheesy, I’d say this meeting was meant to be.”

  * * *

  Meant to be? This guy. The more Liana got to know Kent Olson, the more she wasn’t sure what to make of him.

  Now here they were, sharing a cozy table and she had no idea what to talk to him about—especially because at the moment he didn’t look anything like a cop. Actually, he looked like a normal guy. Well, as normal as an extremely fit, brown-eyed, blond-haired gorgeous guy could look in the middle of rural Adams County. He looked relaxed and at ease, sitting there eating his sandwich.

  Liana took another small bite of the cinnamon roll on her plate and started hoping that Kent would be as good as his word and leave as soon as he finished.

  After eating half of his sandwich in three bites, Kent put it down. “This sandwich is terrific. I can’t believe I didn’t know this place was here.”

  “Jay doesn’t advertise. If you don’t live in the area, I can’t think how you would know about it.”

  “It’s a great place. I’d take anyone here. Even my parents.” He paused, look
ing mildly embarrassed. “Not that your diner isn’t good, too.”

  “It’s not my diner. I’m just a waitress there. That’s all.” She took another small bite of her treat. “And I know what you mean. I’ve got a few favorite spots that I would never take my friend Serena to.” Latching on to his earlier comment, she said, “What did you mean about even your parents? I mean, if you don’t mind my asking.”

  He shrugged. “I don’t know what your parents are like but mine are pretty amazing.”

  “A lot of parents are.” Though hers hadn’t been in that category.

  “You’re right. I guess most people think of their parents as good people. Mine are that, for sure. But it’s more...they’re really good people. They go to church, volunteer for various charities and have both had successful careers. Plus, they’ve been married for decades. Most of the time I feel like I’ll never be their equals, you know?”

  She shrugged. Her parents were both gone, but when they’d been alive, they’d been carefully distant. Beyond encouraging her to marry Billy, they’d usually preferred to stay out of her life. When she’d been in high school, she’d kind of loved that neither of them were inclined to judge her actions or get too involved in her activities.

  Looking back on those years and her tumultuous relationship with Billy, Liana had wished they had stepped in more. Their interference might have saved her a lot of hurt and grief.

  Focusing on Kent’s words, she murmured, “I’m sure your parents are proud of you.”

  He smiled. “Thanks, but you don’t have to say that. I know I’m not your favorite person in the world right now.”

  His honesty made her chuckle. “You’re right, you’re not,” she replied. “However, I might be starting to think that maybe you’re not all bad just because you’re a cop.”

  “Thank you, I think.” Looking more contemplative, he added, “Just to let you know, we’re not all bad. I promise you that.” He looked down at his empty plate. “Huh. I didn’t even realize that I already finished. I guess it’s time I let you get back to your book. Thanks for letting me share your table.”

  Liana was starting to feel bad for not being friendlier, though she wasn’t sure why. She didn’t owe him anything. “You don’t have to rush off, Officer Olson. You can finish your coffee.”

  He paused before getting to his feet. “Thanks, but a promise is a promise, right? I’ve eaten and now I’m going to leave you in peace...if you’ll do one thing for me.”

  Her wariness returned. “What is that?”

  “Will you call me Kent?” Before she could refuse, he added, “I mean, come on. It’s not like I’m here on duty. We just happened to run into each other.”

  She might believe rain was in the forecast, but she was never going to believe that he just happened to be in her neck of the woods. But that said, she was starting to warm up to him. Maybe, just maybe...she could at least try to see him as something other than her enemy. “All right. I hope you have a good Sunday, Kent.”

  He grinned another one of his movie-star smiles. “It’s already been a pretty good one so far. Thanks for the conversation, Liana,” he added as he picked his plate up and walked away.

  She watched Kent take his plate to the counter, place a tip in the jar and then make his way outside. All without looking back at her.

  She wasn’t surprised. She didn’t know him well, but already she was thinking that was how he did things. He walked through life confidently, gave things his full attention and then moved forward. Never looking back or second-guessing himself.

  So different from how she lived. Sometimes she didn’t think she could go five steps forward without retracing them.

  Or maybe she was drawing him to be too simple. Just from their few conversations she’d learned that there was a whole lot more to him than she’d ever imagined. Little by little, he was starting to become far more than a nosy, promotion-driven cop. He was becoming someone far more interesting.

  He might even be another danger...only this time to her heart.

  Chapter Six

  Adams Lake State Park was ninety-two square miles, had a number of hiking trails beyond the lake’s perimeter and was someplace Liana had never been. Now, hiking by Kent’s side, she was torn between admiring the scenery and the rare opportunity to be outside, and wishing she were anywhere else.

  Kent, who was easily a good four steps in front of her, seemed to suddenly realize that she’d lagged behind. He glanced her way. “Sorry, I didn’t realize I’d gotten so far ahead. I’ll slow down.”

  “No. I’m fine. I was just looking around.”

  He glanced in the direction she was staring, toward a thicket of trees, some of which were flowering. “It’s pretty, isn’t it?”

  “It is.”

  “Are you getting inspired for one of your paintings?”

  She laughed, startled. “Ah, no. I was just thinking that it’s been too long since I did something like this.” Realizing that he was probably thinking she was referring to their main objective, she said, “I mean, be outside and enjoy nature. Not, you know...”

  “Out looking for clues?”

  She smiled at him. “Yes.”

  “I don’t get out enough, either—especially not in May, when the weather is so good. I should, though. There aren’t too many perfect days like today.”

  “You’re right about that.”

  The weather in Cincinnati had four distinct seasons, and as far as Liana was concerned, only two of them were livable. Winter in southern Ohio was cold, damp and gray, with few opportunities to enjoy white, fluffy snow. Summer brought either bursts of torrential rain or humid, hot days. But spring and fall? Well, they were perfect. The days were mild and the evenings were cool. Spring brought acres of flowering trees. In the fall the leaves turned red and gold and cast a warm glow on practically every street. Though Liana had never lived anywhere else, she reckoned there were few better places.

  Today, with the sunny skies and the temperature lingering in the upper seventies, was wonderful—and something not to take for granted.

  There was a slight incline as they approached their destination. The trail had become a little more wild and rocky. Liana noticed a couple of beer cans nearby. “I guess even though we don’t get out here much, some people do, huh?”

  He frowned at the litter. “I should have thought to bring a bag to pick up debris. I usually do. Honestly, you wouldn’t believe the number of kids who like coming out here at night. No matter how many trespassing signs are posted, they sneak onto the property and have themselves a good little party.” Turning more serious, he added, “Every once in a while they think they’re a little too invincible and build a campfire.”

  Remembering some of the places she’d gone with Billy when they’d been dating and she’d been far too naive, Liana kicked at a rock. “I guess this spot is as good a place as any if you’re inclined to break the law.”

  “It is...if you don’t mind getting caught and arrested,” he said. “I never was over here on patrol, but I’ve gotten my fair share of folks at other area parks.”

  She liked that insight into his life. Though it was hard to think about him as anything other than a cop, she was now realizing that even in his work he wasn’t necessarily the enemy. “What made you decide to be a cop?”

  He looked surprised by the question. “I don’t remember ever wanting to do anything else. My dad is a great cop. One of the best.”

  Remembering how much he admired his parents, she smiled at him. “I’m sure your kids will say the same thing about you one day.”

  He looked shocked that she’d said such a thing. “If I ever do have kids, I’m pretty sure they won’t be saying anything like that. I’m never going to be as good a cop as my father.”

  “Come on. You’re still young.”

  “Age has nothing to do with it. It’s j
ust how it is.”

  He closed off a bit, making her realize that she wasn’t the only one with a secret. It was another revelation, which was humbling. She had developed a pretty good prejudice against cops over the past decade. Because of that, she’d begun to think of them as nothing more than self-centered people who had nothing better to do than make everyone else’s life miserable. She’d been so wrong, it was embarrassing.

  They walked a few more minutes in companionable silence. The only time they slowed was when they passed an Amish couple out for a stroll. The man sported a thick beard, signifying that he was married. Liana hoped their marriage was a happier one than hers had been.

  “We found him right there,” Kent said, his voice interrupting her thoughts—and transporting her right back to the awful reason they were there.

  Scanning the change in scenery, she located the area where he was pointing. There was a slow incline, the ground giving way to limestone, followed by a series of jagged crevices. Shadows fell on them, cutting in at sharp angles, making them seem almost ominous.

  Billy had lain in one of them for ten years.

  It was dry out here. Desolate. She doubted even partying teens had ever hung out here—there were simply far too many other places that were less dangerous to be.

  And so Billy had most likely just been out here in the elements all that time. She swallowed, imagining all the animals and bugs that would have discovered him first. Critters that survived on decomposing bodies. She shivered. Billy had likely not been much more than a skeleton with a couple of scraps of clothing by the time he’d been found.

  The image rocked her. Why had she never really thought about all that before?

  “Hey, you okay?”

  “Yeah. I...” She turned to face him. “It just seems more real now, you know?”

  His expression sober, he nodded. “I know. Are you up for getting a little closer or do you need a minute? It’s okay if you do.”