Chaos

by Barbara Huffert

  “If I go to her, I wouldn’t feel right telling her about this without Flynn. It would seem like I’m hiding him from her and it’s bad enough now.” Shane sighed. “I’ve been trying not to pressure her over the phone but it’s harder not to beg her to come home every time I talk to her.”

  “I’m so glad it’s you and not me.” Brett couldn’t stop himself.

  “I’d shut up if I were you, Brett,” Jesse said. “We’ve seen Jordan and Shane go through this in a span of a few months. Hasn’t that taught you that life is unpredictable? Did you ever expect this from either of them a year ago? I’m not going to say anything against any of this, just in case fate decides it’s my turn next. If you torment him, I’m sure it’ll be worse when it happens to you.”

  “You really believe in fate?” Flynn was amazed.

  “Sure, don’t you?” Jesse asked. “You must after the way you were forced to hang with Alyssa. Think of the way Shane was the one cop who kept trying to protect her when she clearly didn’t want him around. Then, when she should have never bumped into him again, her cousin hooks up with his brother, forcing them back together. What about the way you decided to start calling him? And don’t forget that you’re the one who was told to kill him. If all that isn’t some kind of cosmic scheme, I don’t know what is.”

  “Wow, this is so cool,” Flynn decided.

  “Yeah, it is,” Shane agreed. “You better watch it, Brett. You don’t want to offend the powers of the universe. It’s pure hell, going through this uncertainty with Campini. I can’t imagine how it would be if they were out to get you.”

  “All right, I think it’s time to go soon,” Brett announced. “You’re all getting too spacey for me. Besides, some of us have to work in the morning.”

  “Aw, poor Brett.” Shane laughed. “I’ll have you know that Flynn has been working very hard with the Millers every day this summer.”

  “How’s it going?” Jesse wondered.

  “Not bad.” Flynn shrugged.

  “Stop being modest,” Shane spoke up, obviously proud. “They tell me that Flynn’s more than ready for school in the fall. In fact, they’re afraid he’s too ready.”

  “They think I’m gonna be bored, after the way I spent the last year. They say school is going to seem tame to me and I have to stick it out until I find something I like about it.”

  “It will be a different experience for you.” Shane hoped he wouldn’t hate it completely.

  “Yeah but at least I’m not gonna have someone breathing down my neck, saying he’s taking me out all the time. I think I can get used to that. And Dad says I’m going to be busy, making friends. Want to hear my story?” When Brett and Jesse nodded, he continued. “We met when Shane the cop was doing the big brother thing. My dad took off when I was real little. He left to be in the army because he didn’t want anything to do with me. My mom was sick all the time, which is why she signed me up. After Shane got promoted and stopped being a plain cop he had to quit the group so I spent lots of time on my own, getting into trouble and cutting school most of the time. When my mom died and the social workers came to find me I asked them to get him, since he said I should call him if I ever really needed anything. He kept me instead of letting them ship me off to strangers and that’s how we ended up together.”

  “What do you think?” Shane asked Jesse, knowing he’d get an honest opinion.

  “Sounds good. Not too far from the truth so it won’t be difficult to remember. You actually were a big brother for a few years too, weren’t you Shane?”

  “Yep. I’ve been telling Flynn about the things we used to do so he has some background if he ever needs it.”

  “I wish my mom had signed me up instead of sending me to those people,” Flynn admitted. “I hated them. I had a dream the other night that he switched places with Grampa and was attacking me. Can you believe that Grampa stayed up and talked to me all night?”

  “Yes,” Brett said without hesitation. “That’s the way it should be. You’ll see. You found yourself a real good bunch.”

  “Don’t I know it! I can almost remember that I’m not dreaming most of the time. I can’t wait until the day comes that I don’t have convince myself that this is really happening every morning.”

  “Amazing, isn’t he?” Shane commented when Brett and Jesse both looked surprised by his statement. “I have to tell myself that he’s only eleven all the time.”

  “You are a very wise man, Flynn. I’m so glad you decided to stay with Shane. I’m going to enjoy watching you grow up,” Brett stated honestly.

  “Me too,” Jesse agreed. “Come on, Brett. I’ll drive and you can get some sleep in the car.”

  “Yeah, we should head home too.” Shane noticed the time. “Mom is going to be all over me for keeping you out so late, Flynn.”

  Flynn started to giggle. “Sorry, Dad but I love it when she yells at you. Makes me feel better when I screw up.”

  “Gee thanks.” Shane tousled his hair. “I’m so happy to entertain you again. I’d forgotten what it’s like to live with parents in the next room.”

  “Think of it as a crash course for when you guys move,” Jesse suggested as they headed out. “Congratulations again, guys. Thanks for letting me be a part of this.”

  “Who better to celebrate this with?” Shane asked.

  “Dad told me how you helped, Jesse. I should thank you,” Flynn said seriously.

  “Don’t mention it. I’m glad I was available.” Jesse shrugged. “Shane, let me know how it’s going with Alyssa and when you’re moving.”

  “Will do. Thanks for coming. Brett, I’ll see you soon.”

  “Count on it.” Brett draped an arm around Shane and Flynn. “I’m happy for you guys. This really is one of the best things ever.”

  “Yeah,” Flynn and Shane agreed together.

  “Is she really going to yell at you?” Flynn asked as Brett and Jesse drove away.

  “Big-time,” Shane assured him. “I took you to a bar to teach you to play pool. Not to mention that it’s after ten. I’m definitely in for it.”

  “Then why did you take me there?”

  “I had to. We needed a place to celebrate with Brett and Jesse. Would you rather we took you to Chuck E. Cheese’s? You’re not exactly a typical kid. Sometimes I’m going to do things with you that I might not with someone else your age. Mom’s going to have to learn to accept that.”

  “But she’s going to yell at you.”

  “So? It’s not the first time and I’m sure it won’t be the last. I don’t make a habit of deliberately doing things that will anger her but, in this case, I think it was worth it. Didn’t you have fun?”

  “Hell yeah! Do you think we can get a pool table too? I want to practice.”

  “We’ll see.” Shane laughed. “Campini might not approve of the idea of our son being a pool shark.”

  “Think she’d be pissed?”

  “Maybe. I’d rather ask her opinion first, before we go out and get one. I may be willing to have my mother annoyed with me but I assure you that it’s different when the woman in question is, hopefully, my wife and your mother.”

  “I guess I’m gonna have to learn this stuff.”

  “I think we’re both going to have to do that. It’s kinda nice though, talking like it’s a done deal.”

  “I’m not worried, Dad. You’ll talk her into us. You got me, didn’t you? I don’t think she’s as scared as I was.”

  “I’m not sure about that. I’m certainly going to try everything I can think of to make it happen.”

  “Aren’t you the one that said I had to have faith? Shouldn’t you too?”

  “Eleven, you’re only eleven. Thanks, Flynn. I’m glad you’re around to remind me of this stuff. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

  “Me too, Dad.”

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  “Hi.” A small voice snagged Alyssa’s attention. Looking down, she found it belonged to the prettiest little girl.
>
  “Hi yourself.” Alyssa squatted so she was eye level with the child. “I’m Alyssa. What’s your name?”

  “Cherlene.” She smiled shyly, hiding behind her doll.

  “Ooh, such a pretty name for such a pretty girl. Does your friend have a name too?”

  “Dolly.”

  “Hello, Dolly. It’s nice to meet both of you.” Alyssa scanned the people nearby but no one seemed to be paying any attention to them. “Where’s your mommy?”

  “Don’t got one. Daddy neither.”

  “Oh my.” Alyssa fought to hide her concern. “You’re too little to be here alone. Did you wander off from someone?”

  “Dunno.” She hid behind Dolly again.

  “Cherlene!” a frantic woman called as she rushed toward them. “What did I tell you? You know you have to stay with me!”

  “This Alyssa,” Cherlene told the woman as she grabbed Alyssa’s hand.

  “Hello.” Alyssa stood. “I was just asking Cherlene and Dolly who they were here with.”

  “I’m Sally. I swear in all my years as a foster mother I never had one that was so slippery. Every time I turn my head for more than half a second, she disappears. You’re the first person she’s latched on to though. Thanks for grabbing her.”

  “Actually she grabbed me. I didn’t even know she was next to me until she said something.”

  “Hmm, she told you her name and Dolly’s too. I’m amazed.”

  “Why?”

  “Cherlene isn’t exactly what I’d call friendly. It took almost two months before she started talking to me without me speaking first.”

  “Lyssa.” Cherlene tugged her hand. “Ice cream!”

  “Cherlene, hush,” Sally scolded gently. “It’s not polite to beg from people we don’t know.”

  “It’s all right, Sally. I think she’s absolutely precious. I’d be happy to keep an eye on her for a few minutes while we get some ice cream, if you’ll let me. I’m here with the team of storm trackers who did that presentation a little earlier.”

  “You chase tornadoes?” Sally looked horrified.

  “Not really. I’m a photographer. They hired me to take photos that show how dangerous a tornado can be. They want to put something together that will discourage inexperienced people from thinking what they do is fun. They hope to explain that this isn’t some sort of adventure and that tornadoes are truly life-threatening when you get too close.”

  “It’s about time.” Sally relaxed. “There are plenty of idiots who come through town every year and wind up dead from their own stupidity. I’ve met Chris and Brian several times. They have a little boy.”

  “Lyssa!” Cherlene fidgeted, demanding attention.

  “I guess it would be all right if you’re sure you don’t mind. My husband and I are right over there, next to the pavilion. Please join us.”

  “Thanks. We’ll be over as soon as we get our goodies. I’d like to know more about Cherlene, if that’s okay. If you’ll let me, I’ll take some pictures and send them to you after I’m home and have a chance to print them.”

  “That would be great. I’ll see if I can find the rest of the bunch. Dave and I have three of our own and there are two other short-timers with us at the moment in addition to Cherlene. Sometimes they come and go so fast I don’t get a chance to snap a picture of all of us together.”

  “Take your time. We’re settled for the night and planning on hanging out for the whole picnic. Can I bring anything for the rest of you?”

  “Thanks, no. We have more than we can possibly finish already.”

  Alyssa spent the rest of the day with her new friends. She took numerous photos of the whole group, as well as several of Cherlene alone. The child was absolutely adorable, no matter what she was doing. She kept up a constant stream of chatter until she finally collapsed in Alyssa’s lap for a nap.

  “If she gets too heavy just shift her to the blanket. Once she’s out, she’s dead to the world for an hour. I still can’t get over how taken she is with you.” Sally seemed fascinated with the girl’s reaction.

  “She’s fine where she is. Tell me more about her.” Alyssa felt the unexpected need to hold her as close as she could.

  “Well, as she told you she’s alone. Her daddy died when the grain elevator exploded when she was still an infant. Then she lost her poor momma in a car accident out on the interstate last winter. She’s been with us ever since. We don’t usually keep our foster kids more than a month or so but they just can’t seem to place her. Cherlene usually shies away from people so they can’t just put her with anyone.”

  “But she’s such a sweetie.” Alyssa cuddled Cherlene in her sleep. “How can anyone not love her instantly?”

  “Honestly, this isn’t at all like her. She’s very withdrawn and aloof most of the time. The few families who have come to meet her didn’t want to take her on because they were afraid that she was unreachable. She’s never been this friendly to anyone before, us included.”

  “Then I feel honored that she spoke to me.”

  “You wouldn’t want to take her home with you when you’re done, would you?” At Alyssa’s startled gasp, Sally squeezed her hand. “Just kidding, honey. You’re probably much too busy to be saddled with a terror like Cherlene.”

  “Well, um,” Alyssa gulped, “you may not believe this but the guy I’ve been seeing keeps telling me how he’s going to stay home with our kids once we have them and take care of all of us.” Why the hell was she telling an almost stranger what Shane had declared? “He just resigned from the police force and is planning to take a break before he decides what to do next.”

  “Why’d he quit?”

  “Simple frustration. He didn’t feel that he was doing a good job anymore. He’s been working on a gang project and got closer to one of the kids than he should have. One night there was a problem and both Shane and the Kid were shot.”

  “How awful!”

  “Yes. Shane’s going to be fine but the Kid didn’t make it.”

  “How can you stand being apart from him?”

  “It’s been horrible but this project is so important. It could keep someone alive so I couldn’t walk away from it. I was done yesterday but Chris and Murray told me about this picnic so I decided to wait until tomorrow. I haven’t told him yet. I want to surprise him.”

  “You must be very excited.”

  “Yes and no. I can’t wait to see him but I’m kind of dreading it too.”

  “Why? You sounded like you were planning to stick with him, like you were talking about a family.”

  “He is.”

  “But?”

  “But it’s such a big step.” Again, Alyssa wondered why she was unloading all her problems on this woman. “I’m not as sure about all this as Shane is.”

  “Bah! Cold feet. Honey, take some advice from an old, married woman. If he’s a good man who honestly loves you, don’t let him get away. They’re hard to find. Ask yourself if he makes you happy even when he’s making you absolutely crazy. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been ready to strangle Dave over the years. The only thing that stops me is knowing how much I’d miss him if I ever went through with it. My man is pure aggravation but worth every bit of it. Now don’t you go telling him I said that. I like to keep him thinking he’s got one foot out the door and needs to charm me to let him back in my good graces. And let me tell you, that is one charming hunk of man when he pours it on. Whew, I’ll be blushing soon if I don’t head off those thoughts. It’ll be hours until we get this mob settled and I get him all to myself. Can’t start drooling now or I’ll make us all miss the fireworks.

  “Seriously, and I know we just met, take a good long look at what your life could be with and without him before you make any big decisions. Let your heart sing for you. Sometimes it’s best not to overthink things.”

  “Chris told me pretty much the same thing.”

  “And, as I recall, she and her husband are quite content together. Perhaps you should
listen to us.”

  “I know and I’m ready to admit that I’m willing to consider it. Shane will probably run when I show up and tell him that. Part of me still doesn’t believe he’s entirely serious. He might just be trying to shock me.”

  “I would have to doubt that. I’ve never met a man who mentions the whole shebang unless he’s ready. They usually avoid even the hint of it when they’re not thoroughly prepared for it.”

  “Lyssa.” Cherlene was suddenly awake. “You gonna see the fireworks with me and Dolly? I likes fireworks but Dolly gets scared ’cause they’re noisy.”

  “Sure I will, sweetie. We’ll both hang on to Dolly so she knows she’s safe.”

  “Hmm.” Cherlene tilted her head. “You hold me and I hold her. Okay?”

  “If that’s what you think is best.” Alyssa saw Sally smothering a smile.

  “Yep. Let’s go feed the ducks. Dolly likes ducks. Can we Sally? I won’t get lost. Lyssa can hold my hand.”

  When Sally nodded, Alyssa hugged the child. “I’d love to. But you can’t let go of my hand until we get to the pond. Then you have to stay right with me. I don’t want to lose you and have Sally mad at me.”

  “I promise. ’K, Sally?” Cherlene turned her huge brown eyes on her foster mother.

  “Okay but don’t you dare run off on Alyssa. She’s been very nice to sit with you all day so don’t make her unhappy by not listening to her.”

  “I’ll be good. I love Lyssa. Can she come home with me? She can sleep in my bed.”

  “Oh no, silly girl. Alyssa has to go home to her own house. She’s only here for a little visit.”

  “You can come back.” Cherlene looked at Alyssa expectantly.

  “How about if I promise that I’ll try to? Maybe I can bring my friend, Shane, with me. Would you and Dolly like to meet him?”

  “Is he big?”

  “Yes, he’s very big. But he’s very nice too. He loves little girls and I know he’d be happy if you talked to him.”

  “Okay,” she agreed with a bright smile. “Can we do the ducks now?”

  “Sure we can.” As Alyssa let herself be led away, she heard Sally’s laughter following them. What a sweet child this little girl was! It would be so easy to let herself get attached to her. Wouldn’t Shane be amazed when she showed him the photos she had taken of her unexpected friend?