Hidden in Shadow

by Georgia Florey-Evans

  He eyeballed Holly’s lunch. “I was going to get a burger and fries, but your sweet and sour chicken looks mighty good.”

  It was her turn to be embarrassed. “It’s about the only thing I know to order at a Chinese restaurant. I like it, so I stick with it.”

  “I tell her all the time to broaden her horizons and try something new, but alas!” Tessa dramatically placed the back of her hand on her brow and tilted her head. “She is but a creature of habit, my good friend Holly is.”

  Her “good friend” Holly groaned. “Please don’t go all Shakespearean on me, Tess. I haven’t eaten yet.”

  Hank grinned at the two friends’ silliness before he sobered. “Ladies, please don’t move from this table while I get my lunch. I need you where I have a clear line of vision.”

  “We’ll sit still,” Tessa assured him. “We’re both starving. Shopping works up a girl’s appetite.”

  Holly had just taken a bite of her chicken when Hank ran back past their table. Her first thought was he shouldn’t be running so fast inside a public building.

  “What’s going on?” Tessa turned completely around just in time for Hank to disappear around the corner.

  “I don’t know.” Holly looked around the food court. Other than a few people still looking curiously in the direction Hank had run, she didn’t see anything out of the ordinary. “Let’s just sit here like we promised and eat. He’ll be back.”

  Tessa looked at her food. “I’m not sure if my stomach can settle enough for me to eat now.”

  “Excuse me, ladies.”

  “Yeee!” Tess jumped out of her chair, and Holly nearly fell off hers as the unfamiliar voice came from close behind them.

  “Ladies, I’m a police officer. It’s okay.”

  Holly accepted the hand Tessa offered, and the two of them slowly turned to face their threat. Relief was a tidal wave when Holly saw his uniform.

  “Miss Morris and Miss Lincoln, right?”

  “Yes.” Holly’s stomach rolled. What was going on?

  “I apologize for startling you. I’m Officer Clark Bentley, with the State Police. We’re helping out in Shadow County until the fugitive is caught.”

  “We’re aware the state police are involved,” Holly acknowledged.

  “Deputy Hank Stone just reported he is in foot pursuit of Wallace. He didn’t want to leave you ladies unprotected in case the fugitive circles back around.”

  Holly wanted to ask him exactly what they were expected to do now, but he continued before she had the chance.

  “I’m just going to stand over there by the concourse so I can have a clear line of vision to you, and keep my eyes on anybody entering the food court. Please go ahead and continue your day as you were. I’ve been told you could use it.” The officer, probably in his late forties, smiled stiffly before he turned and walked to the place he indicated.

  “Well.” Tessa seemed at a loss for words.

  If Luke asked Holly how her day went, she wanted to tell him honestly she enjoyed herself, so she resolutely sat back down. “I’m going to eat this food before it gets cold. I doubt it would be tasty that way.”

  Tessa gave her a measuring look before she returned to her chair. “Good idea. Let’s eat. We need to replenish our energy after the hard day of shopping we’ve put in.”

  “Yes, we do.” Holly dug into her sweet and sour chicken.

  Chapter 20

  Luke had to once more fight the urge to put his arm around Holly. While some couples sat that way during church, he somehow didn’t think Holly would appreciate it.

  He tried to focus on Pastor Rollins’ undoubtedly excellent sermon. He was just so frustrated. Hank saw Jack Wallace in the mall yesterday, headed toward Holly and Tessa. Instead of using the women as bait and further endangering them, he made a split-second decision to pursue the fugitive.

  Wallace led Hank on a mad spree through Shadow Central Mall, with the wanted man knocking mannequins and other paraphernalia over in the stores, not caring what, or whom, he might hurt. Hank, on the other hand, had to remember other people were present, so he couldn’t move at the same breakneck speed as Wallace. He was able to tail him to the east parking lot, where the fugitive appeared to have vanished.

  One good thing seemed to have come from all this. With Wallace on the run, the phone calls had stopped. That further supported the idea Jack Wallace was Holly’s stalker all along. They wouldn’t have any way of knowing why until he was caught and persuaded to confess.

  He felt Holly shift in her seat next to him. She must still be sore. Why hadn’t he thought to bring a cushion for her? The wooden pews weren’t comfortable at the best of times. In fact, when the church council considered padding them, Pastor Rollins asked them not to. He claimed the hard pews kept people from falling asleep during his sermon.

  Sermon. He needed to listen to the sermon.

  “Our plans aren’t always God’s plans. One man I know had his future perfectly planned. He studied psychology. He was going to enter the ministry and put that psychology to work as a pastor. And then, if he felt called to, he’d find a wife.” Pastor Rollins chuckled. “I won’t go into all the details, but suffice it to say he is a Christian psychologist in his own clinic. He’s also married with two precious children. And he’ll be the first to tell you the plans God had for him were far better than the ones he had for himself.”

  For just a moment, Luke’s eyes met Pastor Rollins.' The minister continued. “And sometimes, God calls us to something with a voice so forceful we can’t ignore him. That doesn’t mean we can sit back and wait for him to hand it over on a silver platter. He expects us to use what he has blessed us with to accomplish goals.”

  “So, you ask, how am I supposed to know the difference between the plans I’ve made and the ones God has for me? The answer is prayer and meditation. The Holy Spirit will guide us if we but listen. Too often when we pray, we talk to God, but we don’t stop talking long enough to listen to his answers. It is my firm belief he lets us know when something is wrong, just as he lets us know when it’s right. It’s difficult to acknowledge his judgment sometimes, especially if it’s not the way we want it to be, but it’s there brother and sisters. It’s there.”

  This time, Luke could see the pastor’s eyes were focused on Holly. He began to speak again.

  “Most of you know what one member of our own church family is going through right now. I’m sorry if I’m embarrassing you, Holly, but I want you to remember you’re not alone. The misguided individual tormenting you is not listening to God, but we are. We’re praying for his intervention in this situation. We’re praying for the man in question to be caught so he can be helped, and our sister can live a free and happy life again. Please, precious children of God, don’t stop praying. For according to the fifth chapter of first John—the fourteenth verse, And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us. Amen.”

  Luke felt Holly shift again, only this time it was to lean closer to him. And then he felt her hand slip into his. When he looked at her face, it was to see an expression of peace that hadn't been there for quite a while. Maybe her world wasn’t set right yet, but she was okay with it now. Somehow, Luke knew that just as well as he knew his own name.

  His hand felt empty when she pulled hers away to accept the collection plate a few minutes later. But then she returned it, lacing her fingers with his. Luke didn’t know what this meant. As she seemed inclined to do lately, she may just be seeking the comfort his presence brought her. Or hopefully, she was starting to open her heart to his love. He’d keep praying for the latter until there was no hope left.

  Twenty minutes later, he found himself standing behind Holly as she spoke to the minister.

  “I’m sorry I put you on the spot.” Pastor Rollins smiled ruefully. “I just don’t want us to get stagnant in our prayers for this situation, and it went with the sermon material.”

  Holly gave him a quick hu
g. “You didn’t embarrass me. You reminded me I’m part of a family with a Father nobody can defeat. It was just the message I needed to hear. Thank you.”

  “I enjoyed your sermon too, Pastor Rollins.” At least he had after he started listening to it. “You hit the nail on the head with some truths I needed to hear.”

  “Bless you both.”

  Luke placed his hand on the small of Holly’s back and led her out of the church. The warmth of sunlight felt good on this spring day, so he steered them away from the shade. As usual, they stopped to socialize with their friends.

  After participating in several conversations, mostly centered either on Holly’s stalker or the class reunion, Luke found himself alone with Holly.

  “You’re coming to Mom and Dad’s for lunch, aren’t you?” Holly’s head tilted as she looked questioningly at him.

  He hadn’t known what to expect today. “If your parents don’t mind, and they have enough food. I don’t want to put them to any trouble.”

  Her hair glistened in the sunlight as she shook her head. “Luke, don’t you know by now how much my parents love you? Mom would skin me alive if I didn’t have you come.”

  “Well, then, let me run home and check on Clarence. I’ll be there as soon as I change clothes.”

  “Why don’t you bring Clarence with you? I miss him, and he hasn’t spent a day with Biscuit and Lemon in ages.”

  Luke thought of the last time his dog paid Holly’s parents a visit. After being stuck with two excited animals who seemed intent on rubbing against him, and then circling him like horses on a high speed merry-go-round, Clarence had refused to so much as look at his owner for nearly an entire day. “I just hope those two’s habits never rub off on Clarence.”

  “Why?” There was a teasing glint in her eyes. “Afraid Clarence will sit under a pole light and think he’s baying at the moon?”

  “My dog already has a unique personality, thank you. He doesn’t need any new habits.” Since she was in such a good mood, he would play along. “Maybe I better have a talk with him before we get there. I don’t want him to think he’s spending the night with you.”

  Tessa walked up beside Holly, covering a wide yawn with her hand. “Excuse me. That silly Lemon sat outside my bedroom window last night and auditioned for the lead role in The Hounds of Baskerville.”

  Her words sent Holly into a fit of giggles, and Luke couldn’t stop a chuckle. “We were just discussing my bringing Clarence to lunch with me. I don’t want Lemon’s habits to rub off on him.”

  “How about if we give you Lemon and keep Clarence with us for a few days?” The hopeful expression on Tessa’s face was comical. “Maybe he’ll teach Biscuit how to act like a real dog, and then when Lemon gets back, it’ll rub off on him.”

  Holly’s eyebrows shot up. “Are you referring to the ugly footstool you have to wrestle off your bed as a real dog?”

  An unladylike snort erupted from Tessa. “Clarence seems like a Westminster champion after a couple of nights with those...Why, I’m not even sure what to call them.”

  “Isn’t it exciting?” Jennifer Ewing’s voice was close enough to Luke’s ear he jumped.

  “Hi, Jen.” Holly greeted her warmly. “You’re excited about our reunion?”

  “Oh, yes.” Jennifer linked her arm through her husband’s. “Dennis spoke with Tyler Brady last night. And Wes Stevens is coming. He’s been married three times! We’ve only been out of school ten years, and he’s been married three times.”

  There she went with the gossip again. Luke began to think of a way to excuse himself.

  “And Chris Howard is coming. Remember little Kim Feldhake?” She didn’t wait for an answer. “She sent a photo, and I bet she weighs nearly two-hundred pounds. As short as she is. Nina Grant and Doug Markham have responded, too. And who else?” She frowned at her husband.

  “You have a list at home, honey.” He patted her arm as though to calm her. Luke wished him luck with that. “It’s not even two weeks away now. Let the rest of them be surprises.”

  “Okay.” Jennifer suddenly produced the sappiest smile Luke had ever seen, and he was less than thrilled when she aimed it in his direction. “Your favorite high school memory is just precious. Does H—”

  “Surprises, Jen!” Dennis admonished her. “We need to get going. Our reservations are for noon.”

  After rushed goodbyes, Luke wondered if the women were as relieved as he was.

  “I sure hope Jennifer isn’t planning on giving any speeches,” Tessa stated blandly. “Because if she does, we’re liable to be sitting there until our twentieth reunion.”

  “I think I’ll ride home with Luke.” Holly’s announcement was certainly fine with him. “I can visit with Clarence while he changes clothes, and then we’ll all three be at Mom and Dad’s in a short while.”

  Tessa looked surprised for a moment before a satisfied smile appeared. “That’s a great idea. You need to get out, and you’ll be safe with Luke and Clarence.”

  “You’re sure in a good mood.” He made the observation as they watched Tess walk away.

  “It’s a warm, sunny day. The police are out en masse looking for the man whose name I won’t say today. Nothing else can be done, and worrying isn’t going to help one single thing. So, I’m going to have a spectacular Sunday afternoon with my two best friends and family.”

  Luke’s soaring heart thumped as it landed hard on the ground. He was still classified as a friend. Granted, it was a best friend, but a friend just wasn’t what he hoped for. Oh, well. He wasn’t going to ruin the day Holly had planned.

  They had a pleasant conversation during the drive from the church to his farm. Luke laughed as Clarence nearly floated with delight at the first sight of Holly. It looked like master and dog both had it bad for the lady.

  He left Holly sitting in the living room conversing with Clarence while he went upstairs to change clothes.

  When he went to put his good watch away, he noticed the sparkling ring. Impulsively, he picked it up and took it with him as he headed downstairs.

  “I want to show you something.” He sat down beside Holly, glad she was in the middle of the sofa with Clarence on the other end.

  “What?” She looked at him curiously.

  He held out his hand and opened it, hoping she wouldn’t notice it shaking. “This is my grandma’s ring. It belonged to her mother. Dad told me it’s been in my family for over four generations now.”

  Holly reached over and took it to closely examine. “Look how dainty it is. The band looks almost like lace.” Her beautiful brown eyes were glued to the ring. “What kind of stone is it, Luke? It’s not a diamond, but it doesn’t look like any other stone I’ve ever seen.”

  “I don’t know. My dad doesn’t know either.”

  “So, you inherited the family ring.” She turned it over to examine the setting. “What are you going to do with it?”

  Luke decided to go for broke. “I’m going to give it to the woman I marry. It’ll be her engagement ring. What do you think?”

  Holly looked from the ring to his face, a strange light in her eyes. “I think she would be happy to have a family heirloom on her finger.”

  “Let’s see how it looks on you.” Before she could voice a protest, Luke took the ring out of her hand and slid it onto her ring finger. “It fits perfectly, like it was made for you.”

  “It’s beautiful.” Holly looked at the ring on her hand and then back at Luke.

  “Holly.” He spoke her name before he leaned toward her and gently kissed her lips, mindful of the bruises on her face.

  At first, he felt her return his kiss, but slowly she pulled away. She had a sad look on her face.

  “Luke, I...I’m...”

  “I love you, Holly.” There. He had just gone and said it.

  “Well, I love you, too. Best friends are supposed to love—”

  “That’s not the only way I love you.” This was it. “I’m in love with you. The kind of love a
man feels for the woman he wants to marry.”

  Her face crumpled, and tears began to fall.

  “Holly? I didn’t mean to upset you. I’m sorry. I just had to tell you how I feel.”

  She buried her face in her hands. “It’s just, I don’t know how I feel. Please don’t get mad and stop being my friend, Luke. I need you right now more than ever.”

  He sighed deeply. “I told you I’d do anything for you. But I want you to know the truth. I’ve been in love with you for a very long time, and I want you to be my wife.”

  She lifted her head and looked at him through her tears. “That means a lot to me, Luke, but it’s too much right now.” She slid the ring off her finger and placed it in his hand. “Please, give me time. Can we just go on like this—at least for now?”

  “If you’ll honestly tell me one thing.”

  “I will if I can.”

  The answer to this question meant everything. “Is there even a chance your answer will ever be yes?”

  The look she gave him caused his heart to go into overdrive. “There is.”

  “Can I kiss you one more time before we have to go back to being strictly friends?” One to tide him over.

  “Okay.” His hands shook as he carefully cradled her face. This was their first real kiss. He prayed it wouldn’t be the last. His lips met hers, and they shared a soft, sweet kiss he would remember for the rest of his life. No matter what.

  “Thank you,” he said as he pulled away. Then he stood up. “I need to go put this ring away so it doesn’t get lost. I’m going to pray it ends up right where it was a few minutes ago.”

  Even though she hadn’t said yes, she hadn’t said no either. And there was no more pretending on his part. She knew the truth. He loved and wanted to marry her. With that in mind, he could meet the challenge of remaining her friend. For as long as he had to

  .

  Chapter 21

  Holly crossed her arms on her desk and laid her head on them. Maybe she should have accepted the doctor’s offer and taken a few more days off work. The longer she was on her feet, the worse she felt.