Redeemed Hearts

by Susan Mason

  Somehow it didn’t sound like a compliment. “That’s right.”

  “I’m Patricia Peters. The new English teacher. Nice to meet you.” Even though the woman wore a polite smile, her blue eyes remained cold.

  “Likewise.”

  “I’m here to help. Put me to work.”

  Patricia’s name wasn’t on her copy of the roster. “Thanks for the offer, but we’ve got it covered.”

  Patricia’s face grew hard. “I told Mr. North I’d be volunteering. Didn’t he tell you?”

  Chloe blinked. “No, he didn’t. But there’s no need—”

  The woman made her way behind the table, pulling an apron from one of the chairs. “More hands are always welcome.” She started talking with the students.

  Chloe sighed, resolving to stay as far away from Patricia Peters as possible.

  “Aidan, over here.” Patricia’s voice rang out.

  A flush covered Aidan’s cheeks as he made his way to the table.

  “I saved a plate of brownies for you.” Patricia waved a small container. “I know they’re your favorite.”

  “Um—thanks.” He pulled his wallet out of his back pocket. “How much do I owe you?”

  She gave an overloud laugh. “I think the vice- principal would want to donate at least ten dollars. Don’t you, Miss Martin?”

  Aidan didn’t look up. His stiff posture and reddened cheeks gave evidence of his discomfort.

  “I’m sure Mr. North will pay the fair price. Which isn’t ten dollars.” Chloe hadn’t meant to challenge the woman. It just slipped out.

  “Ten dollars is fine.” Aidan pushed a bill at Patricia and grabbed the brownies. “Excuse me. I have to get back to work.” He strode across the cafeteria and out the door.

  Patricia moved so close their arms brushed. “Maybe you’re not aware, but Mr. North and I used to work together in Arizona.”

  “I know. He told me.”

  “Then you know that we were almost engaged.” Eyebrows rose over hard blue eyes. “I’m giving you fair warning, Miss Martin. I intend to get him back.”

  “Aidan and I are friends and colleagues, nothing more.” Chloe held her temper in check. What Aidan did was none of her business.

  “Good. Then we’ve got nothing to worry about.” Patricia’s smug smile gave Chloe the distinct impression she might have a lot to worry about.

  26

  Nerves fluttered in Chloe’s stomach as she dressed for the youth center opening on Friday. For the teens, it would be a fun night to socialize and find out what the facility would offer. With free food, games, and a contest to name the center, Chloe hoped a lot of kids would show up—out of curiosity if nothing else.

  Chloe also hoped the evening would mark a turning point with Aidan, and perhaps bring a return to their former closeness. She’d done her best to help make his dream come true, soliciting every parent and business for donations of equipment or money to furnish the center. She prayed that her new, positive changes were where God intended her to be. And perhaps, if God willed, one of the changes would be that she and Aidan might become more than friends.

  Over the course of the coming weekend, she planned to move Lindsay and Matt in with her. She’d need a bed in the spare room for Matt. Lindsay could have her room, and Chloe would take the pull out couch in the living room. She’d already lined up a cleaning crew and a pest control expert to make the Browns’ apartment habitable. She still had to speak to the kids and make sure they were OK with the idea. And once she received permission from Lindsay to tell Aidan about the pregnancy, Chloe would be done keeping secrets. Her spirits soared at the thought.

  In her bedroom, she shifted to see her full image in the mirror. She’d chosen the royal blue dress, wanting to make a memorable impression this evening with parents and sponsors, and to be honest, with Aidan too. A swirling mass of silk, the dress hugged her figure like a second skin and flared out at her knees. Her hair was swept up on top of her head, held in place with a rhinestone clip. She felt like a modern Cinderella, complete with high-heeled silver sandals. Though the kids would likely be dressed in jeans and T-shirts, she couldn’t pass up the opportunity to glam up.

  A knock echoed and Chloe’s heart thudded.

  Aidan had insisted on driving tonight.

  Chloe was grateful that the ease of their friendship seemed to have returned. She grabbed her clutch purse and ran to open the door.

  Aidan stood on the dimly lit landing. His mouth dropped open. “Wow. You look beautiful.”

  “Thanks. You look nice yourself.”

  In a navy suit and tie, with his dark hair swept back from his forehead, the outfit accentuated his gray eyes. “Are you ready?”

  “Just need to grab my coat.”

  Aidan stepped forward to help her. His fingers lingered on her shoulder for a brief moment. When she turned, their gazes locked, and for a second, her pulse jumped at the hope he might kiss her.

  With a look of regret, he stepped back. “We’d better get going.”

  “Sure.” She belted the sash on her coat and picked up her purse and keys. Seated in the car on their way to the center, Chloe sensed a barely concealed tension in Aidan. “Are you nervous about tonight?”

  “A little.”

  “I’m sure you’ll have a good turn out.”

  “I hope so.” His half-smile revealed a hint of vulnerability.

  They’d planned to be the first ones there to double check everything and greet the teens as they arrived.

  When Aidan snapped on the lights, Chloe gasped in delight. The kids had done a fabulous job decorating for the festivities. Balloons and streamers swirled from the ceiling. A disco ball in the middle of the gym shot out a kaleidoscope of colors around the room, giving it an other-worldly atmosphere.

  “It looks amazing,” Chloe breathed.

  “Yes, it does.” He turned to her. ”I want to thank you, Chloe, for everything you’ve done. You’re the reason the center is becoming a reality.”

  The warmth of his praise as well as the intensity of his gaze made Chloe’s pulse stutter. “You’re welcome. I’m only glad I could do something for you—”

  The main door flew open, and a group of noisy kids piled into the hall.

  He gave an apologetic shrug and went to greet them.

  Chloe tried to level the giddy, breathless feeling Aidan evoked. With the kids arriving, she’d have to keep her feelings from showing. Patricia would probably make an appearance tonight, and Chloe wanted no hint of gossip.

  “Wow, Miss Martin. You look awesome.” Daphne’s bright pink lips formed an ‘o’.

  “Thank you, Daphne. You look lovely too.” The girls had chosen to wear nicer clothing, though most of the boys wore jeans.

  Daphne laughed and pulled Lindsay into the room.

  “Hi, Lindsay,” Chloe said, “How are you doing tonight?”

  “Fine, Miss Martin.” Dressed in a slim green dress, her hair held back with a pearl clip, Lindsay exuded a simple charm.

  “Is Matt coming?”

  “I think so. I dropped him at a friend’s house so they could come together.” Her gaze darted around the room, as though searching for someone. Dylan perhaps? Was Lindsay really as over him as she claimed?

  ****

  Aidan leaned against the far wall, taking a second to savor the moment. The evening had progressed just as he’d hoped.

  Thirty or forty kids had turned up, and everyone seemed enthusiastic. Snatches of conversations indicated the boys planned to come back and play basketball. Others admired the games room, fitted with a Ping-Pong table, video games, a music system, and a high definition TV—all obtained thanks to the numerous calls Chloe had made to parents and other members of the community. Comfy couches, books, magazines, and two donated laptops rounded out the space.

  Aidan’s dream had become a reality—thanks to Chloe’s contagious enthusiasm, which had convinced many parents and teachers to join the team.

  His gaze strayed to
Chloe, as it had most of the night. She was vibrant in her shimmering dress, talking to some of the girls at the side of the dance floor. He’d danced with her a couple of times but worried about overdoing it in case it caused too much attention.

  The main door swung open, and Patricia entered. She immediately shed her red coat, revealing a matching short dress beneath.

  Aidan gave a silent groan and fought the urge to hide.

  She scanned the crowd, and when her gaze lit on him, she headed straight across the room. “Congratulations, Aidan. You’ve done a wonderful job here.” She kissed his cheek.

  He stepped away. “Thank you. I didn’t expect you here tonight.”

  “I wanted to see what the hype was about. This place is important to you, so it’s important to me.”

  It took all his willpower not to roll his eyes.

  “Can I get a tour?” She batted what looked like false lashes.

  “There’s not much more, except the games room.”

  “Oh, I’d love to see it.” She practically dragged him toward the end of the gym.

  Conscious of Chloe’s gaze, he untangled his arm from Patricia’s grasp and led the way.

  Several young couples jumped apart when they entered the room. His scowl sent them scurrying. Where was the chaperone that was supposed to be in here? Aware that he and Patricia were now alone, he wished for something to bring the others back.

  Patricia examined the room. ”Very nice. These kids don’t know how lucky they are.”

  “A lot of this is due to Miss Martin’s hard work. She got people to donate most of the equipment in here.”

  Patricia’s expression soured. “Seems Miss Martin is multi-talented.”

  “Yes, she is. The teens will miss her when she leaves.”

  “Too bad for them—but not for you.”

  He frowned. “What does that mean?”

  She trailed her hand over the back of the sofa. “Admit it, Aidan. You want to date her.”

  He kept his gaze steady though his insides churned. “My relationship with Miss Martin is my business.”

  “She has you blind-sided, Aidan. If you’re not careful, she’ll break your heart.”

  “Like you did?”

  She stiffened. “How could I break your heart when you never loved me? If you had, you would’ve given me another chance.”

  He shook his head, his jaw tight. “You baled on me the second things got difficult. What kind of love is that?”

  A gleam leapt in her eyes. “You’re right. I made a mistake, and I want to make up for it.”

  Before he could react, she grabbed him for a hard kiss. Every muscle in his body froze. He pushed her away, swiping his mouth with the back of his hand. “Try that again and I’ll report you for sexual harassment.” He stalked past her, but turned at the doorway. “In the future, I want no contact with you unless you have a work-related issue.” He ignored the tears that bloomed. “And stay out of my personal life.”

  Fury sat in his chest like a pent-up beast. Aidan took a long breath and forced his anger down. He would not allow Patricia to ruin this night. Heedless of the blaring music and the kids dancing, he made his way across the room to where Chloe stood. His irritation melted away in the radiance of her admiring gaze.

  Her smile turned to a frown. “Is everything OK?”

  “A minor run in with Patricia. Nothing to worry about.” His hand itched to intertwine with hers, but instead he stuffed them in his pockets.

  “I hate to say it, but that woman rubs me the wrong way.”

  “You’re not the only one. Sometimes I wonder what I ever saw in her.”

  “I know what you mean.” Her features brightened, and she smiled. “So, is it time to announce the contest winner yet?”

  He laughed, the muscles in his stomach uncoiling. “Let me guess. You entered the draw.”

  “Of course I did. I had several brilliant ideas.”

  He laughed again and let the last vestiges of tension drain away.

  ****

  A wave of pure happiness washed over Chloe. Never had she felt so in sync with someone. Not just Aidan, but the whole community. She loved helping to open this youth center—giving kids a sense of belonging and hope for a different kind of life. Judging from the turnout, this place would be a great success. She cheered when Matt’s entry won the contest. If anyone deserved to name the center, he did. He embodied the type of youth this project would help. And the name he’d picked, Aspirations, had just the right ring of promise for the future.

  Matt’s friend, Jim, a boy who looked wholesome enough, clapped Matt on the back when he won. And a shy girl who’d been hanging around Matt most of the night beamed with pleasure.

  Thank you, Lord. I think Matt is moving away from the gang and making friends with kids his own age.

  Someone came up beside her.

  “If you don’t stay away from Aidan, I’ll be in the principal’s office so fast, you won’t have time to collect your pink slip.” Patricia’s slick red lips, pasted in a fake smile, masked the menace of her tone.

  With effort, Chloe held her temper in check. She would not be goaded into making a scene. “I’m a temporary teacher’s aide. I’m not worried about a pink slip. Excuse me. I need to check on the refreshments.” She headed to the kitchen, hoping to regain her equilibrium with some ginger ale.

  Matt intercepted her, his eyes wide with worry. “Miss Martin. Have you seen Lindsay?”

  “I saw her a while ago. Why?”

  “Her friends say she went to the restroom but never came back. They checked, and she’s not in there. We don’t know where she went.” His voice rose with each sentence.

  She laid a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “Calm down, honey. I’m sure she’s fine.” Her rapid pulse rate belied her soothing words. “Let’s take a look outside. Maybe she went to get some air.” Maybe she found Dylan.

  As they crossed the room, Daphne and Ellen joined them. Chloe pushed through the door, the kids trailing after her. A blast of cold air took her breath away. The thin silk of her dress did nothing to shield her from the elements. She should’ve grabbed her coat. Several kids stood huddled together in the parking lot, probably sharing a cigarette, but Lindsay was not among them.

  “She’s not answering her calls or texts, and she never does that.” Fear made Daphne’s eyes huge. “Something’s happened to her, miss. I just know it.”

  “Do you know something we don’t?”

  “Right before she went to the restroom, Lindsay got a text from someone and she started acting funny. Wouldn’t let any of us come with her to the bathroom. Said she wanted to be alone.”

  Chloe wrapped her arms around her middle, trying to keep warm. Maybe Lindsay felt sick and didn’t want her friends to suspect she was pregnant.

  “When she didn’t come back, we went to find her, but the bathroom was empty,” Ellen added. “We couldn’t see her anywhere.”

  Goose bumps chased over Chloe’s arms. “Let’s go back and get our coats and start looking for her.”

  Matt appeared from the back of the building, holding something. “It’s Lindsay’s shoe, miss.”

  Dread froze Chloe’s tracks. No way would the girl be walking around with one high-heeled shoe.

  Matt’s phone chimed. His eyes widened as he read the screen and the color drained from his already pale face. “They’ve got Lindsay.”

  27

  Chloe was nowhere in sight.

  A niggling sense of unease pricked at Aidan.

  The front door opened on a cold gust of wind, and Chloe rushed in, followed by Matt, Daphne, and Ellen.

  What were they doing outside with no coats? He headed to meet them, unease morphing into flat-out discomfort at the panicked look on their faces. “What’s the matter?”

  Chloe clutched his sleeve with near-frozen fingers. “It’s Lindsay. She’s missing. We think someone may have taken her.”

  Matt seemed ready to explode. “Sir, we need to find he
r. I don’t know what they’ll do to her.”

  Adrenaline pumped through Aidan’s veins. “Give me a minute to tell the others.” He found the custodian and one of the chaperones and gave them the necessary instructions. Then he grabbed his coat and joined Chloe and the kids.

  “Matt, you’ll come with me and Miss Martin. Girls, you need to stay inside until your ride comes to get you.”

  “But, sir—”

  “No buts. We’ll let you know as soon as we find her.”

  The two girls hugged each other as Aidan shepherded Matt and Chloe out the door.

  “Call Chief Hiller. Tell him Lindsay is missing,” Aidan said as they buckled up.

  “No!” Panic laced Matt’s voice. “They said they’d hurt her if we call the police.”

  Aidan glanced in the rearview mirror, relenting at the terror in Matt’s eyes. “OK, we’ll hold off for now.” He fully intended to place a discreet call as soon as possible. “Where do you suggest we begin?”

  “There’s this place we used to meet. They might take her there.”

  “I’ll need directions.”

  Bundled in her overcoat, Chloe sat stiff and silent in the passenger seat. Her lips, tinged with blue, trembled.

  Aidan longed to envelop her in a hug and warm her with his body heat. Instead, he flicked the car heater to full blast. A dismal alternative. “We’ll find her. Don’t worry.”

  Aidan followed Matt’s directions to the outskirts of town. He’d sent Mike Hillier a discreet text message, but tension built in Aidan’s chest. He hoped Mike would come in an unmarked car to find them—the sooner the better.

  Matt’s directions led them to an industrial area on the outskirts of town.

  “Stop here,” Matt said sharply.

  Aidan pulled up in front of an abandoned building. Grotesque graffiti covered the bricks, and broken glass cast jagged shadows over the ground.

  “You hung out here?”

  “Sometimes.”

  Aidan held back a derogatory comment. “Matt, you come with me. Chloe, keep the car doors locked and if we’re not back in ten minutes, call the police.”

  “I’m coming with you.” She went to open the door, but he clamped a hand on her arm.