Norman gaped at the soldier, noting the raw anger in the man’s eyes and the vein bulging in his neck. Wishing he had a knife in his hand, Norman would have dearly loved to sink it into that pulsing vein.
Instead, he struggled against the hold of the solider, once again feeling like a bullied child. “You have no right to touch me, Laroux. Get your hands off me.”
“No right!” the man yelled into Norman’s face. “You assaulted my wife. That gives me every right.”
“I did no such thing,” Norman said with a calm detachment. At least now he knew the Jap woman was married to Laroux. That made things even more interesting. Norman bet she was related to the old Jap who used to own the farm. The soldier probably took advantage of the girl and forced her into marriage just so he could get the farm.
Incensed someone had beat him to a devious plan, Norman had no intention of losing out on owning those timber-rich acres.
Laroux gave him a vicious shake, nearly rattling the teeth in Norman’s head. “Stay away from me, my wife, and our farm, Ness, or it will be the last thing you do.”
“You don’t scare me. Now let me go. You have no proof, other than the word of that stinkin’ Jap. Who do you think the police will believe? Me or her?” Norman sneered. “Oh, but then you can’t go to the police because your wife isn’t supposed to be there, is she? Wouldn’t the authorities love to know you’re hiding a Jap on the farm.”
Norman didn’t anticipate the soldier hitting him with such force, blood spurted from his nose. Pain seared through his head.
Stunned, he whimpered and held his hands to the geyser flowing from his nose.
With another shake, Laroux turned him loose and let him drop to the ground. “Stay away from us, Ness!”
The soldier stomped back to his car and drove away while Norman reached into his pocket and pulled out a handkerchief, holding it to his nose.
It would give him immense pleasure to kill Laroux and his wife, just as soon as he had the deed in his hands.
Chapter Nineteen
Infuriated, Rock drove into town and parked outside the sheriff’s office. After wiping Norman’s blood off his hands with a rag he kept in the car, Rock jogged up the steps and inside.
An older woman eyed him over the glasses perched on her nose as he moved in front of her desk. “May I help you?” she asked in a nasally tone.
“Yes, ma’am. I’d like to speak with the sheriff, if he’s available.”
She gave him a studying glance. “May I say to which matter this regards?”
Rock sighed. “A man just broke into our home, assaulted my wife, and ran off. It’s the second time he’s done it and I want him arrested.”
The woman’s mouth formed an “O” while her eyes widened. “Just a moment please, sir.” Quickly rising to her feet, she disappeared down a hallway and soon returned. “Right this way, please.”
Rock followed her into a large office. Maps covered the walls and papers piled over the surface of a large desk. A friendly-faced man sat behind it, speaking on the phone. He held up a finger to Rock, indicating he’d be right with him.
Impatient to get back to Miko, Rock was tempted to pace back and forth with nervous energy, although he managed to remain still.
The sheriff hung up the phone and stood, holding a hand out to Rock. “Evening, I’m Sheriff Bentley.”
“Rock Laroux, sir.” Rock shook the man’s hand then took the seat the sheriff indicated. “A man has trespassed twice on my property and assaulted my wife. The first time, I didn’t have any proof it was him, but this time, I saw him shove my wife off the back step and run through the yard.”
“Do you know his name?” the sheriff asked, frowning as he opened a notepad and wrote down notes.
“Norman Ness.”
The sheriff lifted his gaze and rolled his eyes. “Somehow that doesn’t surprise me. Ness is a sneaky one. You’d be surprised how many complaints I get about him, but no one ever catches him in the act. Do you want to file charges against him?”
“You bet I do.” Rock sighed and forked a hand through his hair. “And to be entirely truthful, I ran him off the road about three miles out of town and bloodied his nose pretty good. I also threatened to do worse if I caught him on our place again.”
The sheriff grinned. “I wish I’d seen that. Thank you for your honesty, but it doesn’t change the fact he’s been on your place, and bothering your wife. Is she okay?”
“Yes. Just shaken up, but no worse for wear this time. The last time, he clunked her over the head and left her unconscious.”
The sheriff’s eyebrows inched upward as he jotted notes. “Where do you live, son?”
Rock gave him the address. “It used to be the Yamada farm. My wife and I purchased it not long ago.”
“And what’s your wife’s name?”
“Miko. Shig Yamada is her grandfather.” Rock couldn’t see any point in telling the sheriff anything but the truth. He just hoped it wouldn’t put Miko in any danger.
“I see.” The sheriff gave Rock a narrow glance that lasted the length of several heartbeats. “Is your wife’s family at the assembly center in Portland?”
“Yes, sir.” Rock wanted to squirm in his chair. Maybe he should have handled Ness on his own without going to the sheriff. He’d been so intent on getting Ness locked up to keep him away from the farm and his wife, he hadn’t given a thought to what the authorities might do if they found out about Miko.
“Is there a reason your wife isn’t with them?” Sheriff Bentley folded his hands on top of his desk, as though he waited for Rock’s explanation.
“Yes, sir. She’s been taking care of me. I was in the hospital, ringing the bell at the pearly gates at the first part of May. I decided if I was going to meet my Maker, I’d rather it be at home, beneath a blue sky, so I released myself from the hospital. I almost died after I arrived at the farm, but Miko took great care of me, nursing me back to health. She stayed behind because I needed her.”
The sheriff didn’t say anything as he took more notes. Rock wished he could see what the man wrote, but the sheriff’s hand blocked his view of the notepad. Finally, Sheriff Bentley lifted his gaze. “Is your wife a threat to our national security?”
Rock shook his head. “No, sir. Not at all. In fact, she reminded me just yesterday to purchase more war bonds on my next trip to town. She’s filled boxes with clothes and blankets for the Bundles for Britain campaign. She even saves all the waste fat and grease from cooking for me to take to the butcher for munitions.”
Sheriff Bentley studied Rock again. “Were you in the military?”
“Yes, sir. I was a captain in the U.S. Army Air Corp. I planned to make a career of it, but my plane crashed earlier this year and that was the end of that.” Unconsciously, his gaze dropped to his hand.
“Thank you for your service, Captain Laroux.” The sheriff took a few papers from a desk drawer and filled out information, then slid them across the desk for Rock to sign. “These documents state you are filing charges against Norman and the reason for it. If he shows up out at the farm again, call us immediately. In the meantime, I’ll see if I can track him down. He has a place his mother owned where he’ll most likely be. I’ll let you know when we arrest him.”
Rock signed his name on the documents, then stood. “Thank you, sir, for your assistance. It’s greatly appreciated.”
“Anytime, son. Now, about your wife…” The sheriff appeared thoughtful as he walked Rock to his office door. “Before I decide what should be done about her failing to report to the assembly center, I’d like to come out and meet her. If you don’t object, I’ll plan to be there in the morning.”
“Yes, sir,” Rock said, devastated by the sheriff’s request. Vainly, he’d hoped the sheriff would let Miko’s situation slide.
Contemplative on the drive home, he rushed inside the house after he parked the car in the storage building. Miko met him at the door with a hug.
“I was worried about
you. You shouldn’t have chased off after Mr. Ness like that,” she admonished as they stepped into the kitchen. Miko poured Rock a glass of iced tea as he washed his hands then took a seat at the table. The food had grown cold, waiting for his return, but he wouldn’t utter a word of complaint.
After asking a blessing on the meal, he told Miko about catching up to Ness and threatening the man. Conveniently, he left out the part about punching him in the nose. He told her he’d gone to the sheriff’s office to file charges, and what the sheriff had said about wanting to meet her.
“I shouldn’t have mentioned you to the sheriff, Miko. I’m so sorry,” Rock said, pained by the trouble he’d brought right to their door.
Miko’s fork returned to her plate and she held Rock’s gaze. “You did the right thing, Rock. Don’t give it another thought. You and I both know I should have been at the assembly center all along.”
“No,” he barked, then softened his tone. “You belong here, with me. If you aren’t here, how will any of us know what to do in the garden? It’s your guidance that’s keeping the farm going, not me.”
She reached across the table and patted his hand, offering reassurance. “Everything will be fine, Rock.”
The next morning, they both nervously awaited the sheriff’s arrival. At five minutes past eight, Sheriff Bentley parked his car at the end of the walk and made his way to the door.
Rock opened it and welcomed him inside. “Good morning, sir.”
The sheriff smiled and removed his hat. “Good morning, Captain.” He looked over at Miko and politely tipped his head. “Hello, Mrs. Laroux.”
“Good morning, Sheriff.”
“Sir, I’d like you to meet my wife, Miko Laroux.” Rock moved to settle a hand on Miko’s back, offering her what comfort he could give.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, ma’am,” the sheriff said, taking the seat Rock indicated after Miko settled onto the couch.
“May we offer you some refreshment, Sheriff?” Miko asked, smiling warmly at the man.
“Thank you, Mrs. Laroux. That would be appreciated.”
He accepted the cup of coffee and slice of coffee cake Miko handed to him. Rather than get down to business, he took a few bites of the cake and a deep swallow of the coffee. He glanced at Rock and grinned. “You’re a lucky man, Laroux, to have a lovely wife who can cook, too.”
“I am lucky, sir,” Rock said, placing a kiss on Miko’s cheek as he draped an arm around her shoulders. The dark blue dress she wore appeared both professional and polished, especially with her hair rolled back in the popular victory style. A small U.S. flag pin on her lapel made it clear what side she supported in the war.
Much to Rock’s surprise the sheriff didn’t discuss what would happen once he arrested Miko. Rather, Sheriff Bentley inquired about the crops on the farm. “My folks used to bring me out here when I was a boy. Your grandfather always grew the best watermelons. I hope you’ve planted some this year.”
Rock grinned. “We do have melons planted. They’re off to a good start. Right now, we’ve got strawberries coming out our ears.”
“Strawberries?” the sheriff asked with a hungry look. “I sure do enjoy a slice of strawberry pie, although this berry cake is very good, Mrs. Laroux.”
“Thank you, sir,” Miko said, demurely.
Rock thought she looked like a queen holding court as she sat straight and proper on the couch.
The sheriff finished his slice of cake and cup of coffee, then asked to see the house.
Rock and Miko showed him the office, the bedrooms and bathroom, the dining room and kitchen. He even went down to the basement and took a look around before they escorted him on a tour of the outbuildings and the produce stand. While they were there, Rock picked up a flat of berries. “We’d like you to take these with you, sir.”
“Thank you, Captain Laroux. I appreciate that. I can almost taste that strawberry pie right now,” the sheriff set the berries in the back of his car. Miko and Rock stood together, waiting for the sheriff to put her in handcuffs and direct her to get in the car.
Instead, the man leaned back against the passenger door and smiled. “I don’t know if the two of you have heard, but the assembly center recently began to release a few of the women who are married to Caucasian men. The main stipulation is that their homes be predominately of American influence.” The sheriff waved a hand toward the cheery yellow bungalow behind them. “I don’t think you can get much more American than that. I don’t see any reason for Mrs. Laroux to leave here.”
Rock reached out and pumped the sheriff’s hand in gratitude. “Thank you, sir! Thank you!”
Sheriff Bentley laughed. “You’re welcome, son. All I ask is that you save me one or two juicy melons when they’re ripe.”
Rock looked to Miko and smiled. “We’ll save you a dozen if you like.”
The sheriff laughed and opened his car door, sliding inside. “You both should know we couldn’t find Norman Ness last night. His place looked like it had been cleared out in a hurry. I’ve got men keeping an eye out for him, but for all appearances, he’s left the area.”
Relieved, Miko leaned against Rock. He patted her back and nodded to the sheriff. “That’s good news, sir. I hope he stays gone.”
“Me, too.” He shut his door and started the car. “Stay out of trouble and make sure you keep those melons watered. I want mine extra juicy.” With a wave, he left.
“Whew!” Rock said, giving Miko a hug and swinging her off her feet. “That was close.”
“I can’t believe the sheriff allowed me to stay here,” she said, walking with Rock back into the house.
“I can’t either, Miko, but I’m so grateful that he did.”
Chapter Twenty
June melted into July without more trouble from Norman Ness. Convinced Rock had scared him enough he left the area, they didn’t give another thought to his disturbing presence.
The heat wave continued and the garden exploded with ripe vegetables. In addition to lettuce, radishes, tomatoes, cucumbers, and early carrots, Miko and Rock harvested beets, beans, onions, and the first golden ears of sweet corn.
They celebrated Independence Day with the Phillips family, inviting them over for a picnic in the backyard, complete with sweet cherry and chocolate ice cream.
Pastor Clark arrived early one morning with the news that the Portland Assembly Center released another group of women to rejoin their non-Japanese husbands.
“Do you know what that means, Miko?” he asked, smiling at her as he closed the door to the chicken pen behind her.
“No, Uncle George, but I’m sure you’ll tell me.” She carried the eggs to the barn, where she set them in cartons and noted the date on the side.
His grin broadened. “It means there is no reason for you to continue to hide. No one will think anything of you being here with Rock, now that other women are returning to their homes. The only stipulation the administrator mentioned is the homes have to be traditionally American, with no Japanese influence.”
Miko waved a hand toward her grandparents’ charming bungalow. “That’s what the sheriff said when he visited. This house has never been anything but traditionally American, just like the occupants.”
“I know, Miko, I know.” Pastor Clark patted her on the back with sympathy in his gaze. “In light of this development, you may come and go as you please. There is no need for you to hide.”
She shook her head as the pastor followed her to the garden, where she filled a large basket with fresh produce for him to take home. “I still think it’s best, for Rock’s sake and the success of the business, if I stay out of sight.”
“Oh, bosh. If you want to stand behind the counter at the produce stand and greet every customer, go right ahead. Most people will be happy to see you, Miko. And those who aren’t, well… don’t worry about them. I’m sure Rock doesn’t.” The pastor accepted the basket she held out to him and followed her back to the house.
“Would you
like to come in for a cup of tea or some breakfast? I made muffins this morning. Rock must not be feeling well today because he left three of them behind instead of eating every last one of them.”
The pastor laughed. “No, Miko, I need to get back to town, but I wanted to make sure you heard the news as soon as possible.”
“Thank you for delivering it, Uncle George.” She walked with him out to where he’d parked his car. “Have you visited the folks recently?” she asked, shoving her hands into the pockets of her pants and swirling the toe of her worn blue canvas shoe in the gravel by his front tire.
“I saw them yesterday. The fire department had been there. Since it is so hot, they thought it might help to hose down the outside of the building. It did cool the interior for a while, but the water soaked into the manure beneath the floor.” The pastor wrinkled his nose as he set the basket in the backseat of the car, then turned back to her. “Goodness, but that did smell. Other than that, though, your family is doing well, Miko. Your grandfather and a few of the other farmers have planted a large garden and that keeps them busy. Your father and brother are also doing work around the center, and your grandmother has been teaching some of the younger girls how to embroider and crochet.”
“I’ll have to purchase some thread and yarn for Grandma,” Miko said, brightening at the thought of her family keeping themselves occupied.
“I know how badly you want to see them, Miko, but that is the one place I would advise you not go. Let Rock take whatever you want to send.”
Miko nodded, then gave the pastor a hug. “If you talk to Sally, tell her I mailed another letter with a little something for Drew.”
“I’ll do that.” The pastor pulled a package from his car and handed it to her.
“What’s this?” Miko gave him a questioning glance.
“Hadley asked me to give these photos to you. She took them at your wedding.” He slid into his car and gave her a wave before pulling away.
Miko walked back to the house, and Rock caught up with her on the front porch.
“What do you have there?” he asked, motioning to the paper-wrapped parcel she held.
Garden of Her Heart (Hearts of the War Book 1) Page 22