“Yes, everything is going just as it should. The doctor told them there’s no reason to worry, that it’s a normal pregnancy. The fact that their chance of conceiving was so low doesn’t in any way affect the pregnancy itself.”
“Oh, I just can’t believe it. I’m so happy for them. When is the baby due?”
“Early January.”
“Huh. Same as Jake’s brother and his wife. I’d imagine Uncle Ben and Aunt Caroline are thrilled,” Sam said, knowing how it had broken their hearts when their son and daughter-in-law had given them the news that it appeared they would never have children.
“Mom and Dad are over the moon. We only found out a few days ago and Mom has already started shopping for baby clothes.”
Sam looked at Kyle who had remained quiet during the baby talk. He looked uncomfortable. “What’s up, Kyle? Don’t like all the baby talk?” Sam teased.
“It’s fine, I’m happy for them, but do we really need to talk about all the…the details?” He fidgeted in his seat.
Just then Susan interrupted. “Wait a minute. Who’s Jake?”
“Oh, he’s the sheriff here in Misty Lake,” Sam replied, trying to be vague.
“Why do you know the sheriff?” Susan demanded. “And how do you know his brother and his wife are having a baby?”
Sam sighed. “There have been a couple things…a little trouble here. Jake came to check things out. I got to know him.”
“What kind of trouble?” Kyle asked.
“What do you mean, ‘know him?’” Susan asked at the same time.
“It’s kind of a long story. You know what? I’m going to call Brad and Mia. Why don’t you guys unpack, make yourselves comfortable, and I’ll tell you everything after I talk to them?”
“Good idea. You got any beer, Sam? If we’re going to be talking babies and sheriffs all afternoon, I’m going to need one,” Kyle said, looking miserable.
Feeling sorry for him, Sam pointed to the fridge.
Later that evening, Sam and Kyle sat on the deck watching the sun set over the lake while Susan showered. “I’m glad we came, Sam. It’s really good to see you.”
It had been a good day spent talking, swimming, and goofing off almost like they had done when they were kids. Sam was happy, happier than she had been in a long time. “I’m glad, too. I’ve missed all of you so much. But, I’m starting to think I did the right thing by coming here. Putting some distance between myself and Chicago has helped. I can’t say things are perfect but I think they’re better than they would have been had I stayed in Chicago. Too many memories.” She paused a minute then added, “That’s how Granddad felt, isn’t it?”
Kyle nodded. “I think so. You know, I’m proud of you. You’ve done an amazing job here with the house, your business, and with a group of kids from what I’ve been hearing.”
“I think they’ve helped me more than I’ve helped them. Spending time with them, trying to get them to believe they have possibilities in their futures…it’s been good.”
Kyle studied her. She had a desperate look in her eyes. “I know you, Sam. I have no doubt you’re helping them. But please do me a favor? Try to remember that, in the end, the choices they make are their choices. You can teach, guide, encourage, and support but their lives and their decisions are ultimately their own. If one of them makes a mistake, it’s not your fault.” When he saw her shoulders shake on a sob, he went to her and held her tight.
That’s how Jake found them, Sam and a man he didn’t recognize wrapped in an embrace on her deck. The jealousy that racked him from head to toe came as a surprise. Had he ever felt something so strong and so fast before? He didn’t think so. He had come to give her a report on his conversation with Zach. Apparently he should have called.
Kyle caught sight of Jake first and stepped in front of Sam to face the man making his way towards the house. “Can I help you?” he said, his voice none too friendly.
Sam, startled for a moment, peeked from behind Kyle to see Jake square his shoulders and look Kyle in the eye. Kyle, meeting the challenge, seemed to get taller before her eyes as he attempted to move Sam further behind him. Determined to diffuse the tension, she put a hand on Kyle’s arm and stepped forward to quickly make introductions.
“Hi, Jake. This is my cousin, Kyle Taylor. Kyle, Jake McCabe, Misty Lake’s sheriff.”
Jake felt the vice around his heart loosen and stepped forward with his hand extended. “Kyle, good to meet you. Sam has talked a lot about her cousins. Was this a surprise visit?” he asked, looking from Kyle to Sam.
“It was. We figured Sam must be getting homesick about now and Susan and I were both able to block off some vacation time. The fact that it’s been close to a hundred degrees in Chicago may have played a part in our decision.”
Sam wrapped an arm around his waist and hugged. “Well, whatever the reason, I’m glad you’re here.”
Susan came out through the sliding glass door with a questioning look on her face. Sam made more introductions and Susan’s eyes grew wide when she learned the man on the deck was Jake. As she tilted her head and studied him, Sam quickly suggested everyone have a seat. She threw a warning look at Susan who was standing behind Jake grinning crazily and giving two thumbs up.
“Did you talk to Zach?” Sam asked Jake, figuring that was the reason for his visit.
“I did, but we can discuss it later,” he answered, looking around to gauge Sam’s cousins’ reactions and wondering how much Sam had told them.
“You can say whatever it is you have to say in front of them. I’ve already told them what’s been going on.” Susan was still grinning like an idiot and Sam needed to get her alone for a minute. “Why don’t Susan and I go grab some drinks and snacks? We’ll be right back,” she said as she grabbed Susan’s arm and pulled her from her chair.
“You think you can take it down a notch?” Sam asked when she had dragged Susan into the kitchen.
“But he’s so cute!” Susan laughed. “You didn’t tell me how cute he is.”
“Oh, for crying out loud. Don’t embarrass me.”
“Embarrass you? Would I do that?”
“Yes.”
“Well, dear cousin, it seems as though you might need a little help in the romance department. As long as I’m here, I may as well do what I can.”
“Susan,” Sam pleaded.
“Oh, don’t worry. That gorgeous sheriff of yours won’t know what hit him.”
Outside, Jake and Kyle found a lot to talk about as they discovered both had played college football, both came from big, meddling families, and both cared deeply about Sam.
“Is it more bad news you have to give her tonight?” Kyle asked, hating the thought of her getting upset again.
“Actually, there’s not a lot of news. I didn’t learn much of anything from the conversation I had today. The kid I talked with was anything but cooperative.”
“One of Sam’s students?” When Jake looked unsure of how much to tell him, Kyle said, “She told us you suspect one or more of the kids from this camp on the lake might be responsible for the stuff going on around here.”
“It was one of her students, a boy named Zach. I know she’s not going to like even talking about it, she’s ready to defend those kids until the end. It’s a little unsettling, actually. She gets so upset and worries so much about them I’m afraid it’s not good for her. I understand caring about them and wanting to help, but it seems like there’s more to it with Sam.”
Kyle was quiet, debating what to tell Jake. If Sam hadn’t told him, maybe it wasn’t his place to do so but he felt like Jake should know what he was dealing with and thought it might even help in the investigation if he knew where Sam was coming from.
“Has Sam ever talked to you about Danny?” Kyle began.
“Her brother? Yes, she’s talked about him several times. I can tell they were close and that losing him was almost more than Sam could bear.”
“She’s never told you how he died?”
Jake was suddenly on edge, afraid of what he was going to hear from Kyle. Should he have pressed Sam harder for details? Was there something he needed to know in order to help her? He looked at Kyle and shook his head no.
Kyle took a deep breath, glanced in the house to be sure Sam and Susan weren’t on their way out, and began. “Danny was a drug addict. It’s not easy for me to say the words. We all tried, for a long time, to deny it and we all tried, for a very long time, to help him. Sam more than anyone.”
It wasn’t what he had expected to hear but it explained so much. Of course Sam would try to help the kids from Project Strong Start. She was trying to do for them what she had been unable to do for her brother.
Kyle continued. “He went through treatment programs. He’d be better for a while then relapse. Sam tried so hard, tried to get him to work in the shop with her, tried to get him interested in school. She even got Rigi hoping that having a puppy to care for would help him. I think Danny tried too, but he just couldn’t kick it.”
“I’ve seen what drugs can do to kids, to anyone. We may be a small town but we aren’t immune to the problem. Addiction is ugly, there’s no other way to describe it.”
“Danny had his share of run-ins with the police. Sam and our grandfather had to bail him out on more than one occasion. There were times when the police showed up at their door looking for Danny. It was hard for Sam to realize they were doing what they had to do and not just blaming Danny based on his past.”
Jake washed a hand over his face. He wished Sam had told him, he would have tried to be more sensitive, more understanding. He had never intended to hurt her.
“The night Danny died he was at a party with some guys who were nothing but trouble. He had promised Sam he wasn’t hanging out with them anymore but apparently that was a lie. The police showed up, there were drugs everywhere. Danny panicked, I guess. He jumped into a car that wasn’t his and took off. The police followed. Danny was in no condition to be driving. He headed to the highway, hit the median, and flipped the car. He was killed instantly.”
Kyle’s face was stony as he stared into the night. Jake could tell it wasn’t an easy story for him to share. So much tragedy in one family. Jake realized, not for the first time, just how lucky he was.
Before they had a chance to discuss anything more, Sam and Susan returned loaded down with drinks and snacks. Susan was grinning from ear to ear while Sam eyed her warily.
The four talked and joked and it was Jake’s turn to hear old stories about Sam. Eventually the conversation turned to Jake’s interview with Zach. He hadn’t really said much of anything, Jake told them. He denied any involvement, said the only times he’d been any where near Sam’s place were during class.
“I’m inclined to believe him,” Jake said, “Marc had the same feeling. But, we agree he’s hiding something. I tried to explain to him that if he’s innocent, telling us what he was up to when he left with the car would be in his best interest. He wouldn’t budge.”
“What do you want me to do tomorrow when he comes back to class?” Sam asked. “Talk to him about what happened? Ignore the situation?” She seemed tense, as if she had been afraid of what she’d hear about Zach.
“Don’t bring it up. I’ll handle everything with Zach. If he says anything about our interview just let him talk. It’s possible he’ll tell you more than he was willing to tell us. But I don’t want you in the middle of anything, Sam. If you start to feel uncomfortable or as if you’re in any sort of danger, please call me right away.”
“I’m not going to be afraid or feel like I’m in danger with those kids, Jake,” she said, clearly exasperated.
“Okay. Good.” Jake let the subject drop, not wanting to do any more to upset Sam. A short time later he said his goodbyes and headed home knowing a great deal more about Sam than when he had arrived.
He sat and planned, his anger and hatred close to the surface. It was frustrating when he was unable to watch her, to know what she was doing. He would have to make his move soon before the cop figured things out. He wrapped his hand tightly around a knife he had been holding, his eyes becoming nothing more than slits as he plotted. She would pay, in more ways than one, he told himself as he violently swung his arm downward, driving the blade deep into the scarred wood.
16
The week was going by quickly with Sam enjoying the mornings with her students and the afternoons and evenings with her cousins. The kids seemed refreshed after their week away. Jimmy was full of camping stories he was just bursting to share, something that didn’t surprise Sam. What did, however, was how often the other kids chimed in with their own comments. That never would have happened a few weeks ago.
The atmosphere was a little different without Katie but Sam had already heard from her and her happiness was apparent even via email. She had her dad, her brothers, and her beloved cat together again and it sounded as though everything was going well. Sam was pleased she had followed through on her promise to keep in touch.
Zach was still quiet, usually speaking only when spoken to, and he hadn’t mentioned anything about his visit with Jake and Marc. Sam was happy to avoid the topic.
So on Thursday morning when Sam heard the door to the shop open and turned to see a young man with red hair mostly hidden under a dirty cap, a face with freckles and scars competing for space, and wearing stained, ripped jeans, she was startled and caught completely off guard. When Jimmy looked up and gave a muffled yell, Sam quickly put two and two together and determined the man barging into her shop was Jimmy’s older brother, Blade.
Sam’s first thought was to protect Jimmy who had jumped off his stool and moved away from the door. Sam made her way toward the man, willing her knees not to shake.
“Is there something I can help you with?” she asked, sounding much calmer than she felt.
Blade’s eyes darted around the room and finally back to Sam. “Just looking for my brother,” he snarled.
Blade was wearing a leather jacket even though the temperature had to be in the eighties. When he reached inside the pocket, Sam spread out her arms in an attempt to shield the kids.
Blade laughed cruelly. “What do ya think, lady, I’m gonna shoot? I told ya, I just want to talk to my brother.”
“I’m afraid you can’t do that right now. If you want to talk to your brother, you’re going to have to go to the office at Project Strong Start and try to arrange things with someone there. Right now, I’d like you to leave.”
Sam knew her voice was beginning to waver. She was trying to figure out how to get to her phone without Blade realizing what she was doing. She couldn’t see a way to manage it. All of a sudden, she realized the rest of the kids in class had left their seats and were standing beside her.
Jackson was the first to speak, his voice low and menacing. “The lady asked you to leave. I think you’d better do it.”
Davis, for as much as he liked to antagonize Jimmy, was clearly ready to protect him. “Yeah, man, get lost. Jimmy doesn’t want to talk to you.”
Mario was inching closer to Blade and Sam started to panic. Blade was going to hurt one of them.
“Sit back down, everyone. Everything is fine,” Sam looked from one to the other, pleading with her eyes for them to back away. When her eyes met Zach’s she caught a quick flash of fury in them before he quickly reached his hand into his pocket and turned to Blade.
“Miss Taylor said get out so get the hell out,” he hissed. Sam froze, certain Zach must have pulled a knife, and was terrified of what was going to happen, but before Blade had a chance to react, a large arm reached out from behind and grabbed him, pinning him against the wall.
Sam didn’t know where Kyle had come from but her relief was so great, she collapsed onto the nearest stool. She was on her feet again in a moment, though, remembering Zach and afraid he would still be going at Blade with a knife. When she looked and realized it wasn’t a knife but a cell phone he had pulled from his pocket, she allowed herself
to fall back onto the stool.
Marc was the first to arrive, having been closer he beat Jake by a few minutes. Kyle still had Blade restrained in the shop while Sam had taken the kids outside. Marc quickly handcuffed Blade and Kyle joined Sam and the kids. While Marc stayed with Blade, Jake got the rundown on what had happened, asking questions of the kids as well as Sam.
“We’ll take him in and question him at the station. Are you sure you and the kids are all right? I can call an ambulance, have everyone checked out,” Jake said.
“I don’t think that’s necessary. He never touched anyone, except Kyle, and it was Kyle who did most of the touching. But he’s fine. I think he wishes Blade would have fought back a little harder so he could have knocked him around some.”
“How about the kids? How’s Jimmy?”
Sam looked over to the yard where Jimmy sat in the grass with the rest of the kids and Susan, who had joined them. “He’s scared, really scared. When Blade walked in the shop he went white and almost ran to the other side of the room.”
“I can have someone come out and talk to him, we have people on call to help in situations like these.”
“I already called Project Strong Start and talked to Tom Lindahl. He’s on his way with a van to pick up the kids himself. He knows some of the details and said he’ll have someone ready to work with Jimmy. Jimmy’s been quiet, hasn’t really said much of anything since his brother showed up.”
A few minutes later Tom arrived and after a short conversation with Sam and Jake, loaded the kids in the van and headed back to camp.
“I need to get him to the station,” Jake said, indicating Blade who was handcuffed in the back of Marc’s patrol car. “Are you going to be okay?”
“Of course, don’t worry. Besides, Susan and Kyle are here, I won’t be alone.”
“Okay. I’ll call you later this afternoon. If you need anything or think of anything you want to add to your statement, just call.” He moved closer and kissed her, holding on for an extra hug before he headed to his car and drove off following Marc.
Misty Lake: Book One in the Misty Lake Series Page 16