by Terri Reed
They stopped at a small hotel and secured rooms before venturing to the heart of the town. To say Pierceland was small was an understatement. Stand-alone buildings dotted the snow-covered main drive. A gas station, credit union and village post office lined one side of the road. Across the street stood a grocery store and a restaurant called Bartlett’s Family Dining.
“Stop here,” Nathanial said. “Let’s go into the restaurant.”
Audrey eyed the welcome sign in the front window—Family Owned and Operated for Fifty Years.
“Do you recognize this place?” Sami asked before Audrey could.
“I don’t know. It seems familiar,” Nathanial said. “I want to stop.”
Drew and Sami exchanged concerned looks. “We still need to be careful.”
“I’ll only be a moment.” Nathanial leaned forward. “Pull in around the back, out of sight.”
Drew circled the building and brought the borrowed Mountie vehicle to a halt near the back door.
“I’m going in,” Nathanial said with a determination that let them all know there was no way they’d be able to stop him unless they knocked him out.
Audrey hurried to his side. She’d at least do her best to keep him safe.
“Make it quick,” Drew instructed Nathanial as they rounded the building for the entrance. He and Sami took up positions where they had a clear view of the road out front.
Audrey was thankful for the restaurant’s warmth seeping into her bones. A string of bells attached to the door jingled when the door shut behind them.
The restaurant wasn’t crowded; only a few tables were occupied. And those that were there turned to stare at the newcomers. Cheery Christmas decorations hung from the rafters. A line of stocking cutouts danced across the front desk, where a woman stood behind the counter. She wore an oxford cotton shirt with the restaurant’s logo on the right breast pocket. Her dark hair hung in a tight braid over her left shoulder.
“Good afternoon,” the woman said with a smile. Then her gaze landed on Nathanial, and she paled and her smile fell away. “What are you doing here?”
Audrey stepped next to Nathanial as a strange sensation of protectiveness and possessiveness surged through her. Drew and Sami took positions behind them as if ready to jump in.
He cocked his head and stared at the woman. “I’m sorry,” he said. “I don’t remember your name.”
The woman took a step back as if shock gave way to anger. “Really? You’re going with that?” Her gaze flicked to Audrey and then back to Nathanial. “Is this your wife?”
“No, this—” His words cut off as he slanted Audrey a glance.
Clearly he was at a loss how to explain what he was going through. Audrey decided to borrow a page from her great-uncle’s playbook—when in doubt, stick to the facts. She flashed the badge fastened to her belt at her waist. “Deputy Audrey Martin with the Calico Bay, Maine, sheriff’s department. Officer Longhorn suffered a blow to the head and is suffering retrograde amnesia. We’re hopeful he’ll regain his memories here where he grew up.”
The woman’s brown eyes widened. Her rose-colored lips formed an O. “I didn’t think things like that really happened.”
“They do,” Nathanial said softly. “I take it we knew each other.”
Confusion stole over face. “Yes. I’m Laurie. Laurie Bartlett. You really don’t remember me?”
What was the story between Nathanial and Laurie? “We’re you two close?” Audrey asked Laurie.
Laurie’s mouth twisted in a half grimace. “High school. We were high school sweethearts.”
Over a decade ago. And yet Audrey had the feeling Laurie still carried a torch for Nathanial. The knowledge burned in Audrey’s chest. She didn’t like the jealousy stirring to life. She had no claim on Nathanial.
Whatever the outcome and wherever this journey took him, Audrey would be returning to her own life in Calico Bay. Alone. Becoming upset over Nathanial’s old flame was wrong on so many levels.
She needed to shore up the walls around her heart and keep perspective. Even though she liked Nathanial and was attracted to him, she had to find a way to keep an emotional distance.
“Your family owns this restaurant,” Nathanial stated. “That’s why it seemed familiar.”
Laurie nodded. “Yes. You used to work here. We worked here together.”
“Can you tell me how to get to my parents’ home?”
“Sure. I can do that.” Laurie grabbed a piece of paper and scribbled down the directions. “They’ll be glad to see you.”
Taking the piece of paper she offered, Nathanial said, “Thank you, Laurie. I appreciate your help.” He hesitated. “And I’m sorry I don’t remember you.”
Laurie shrugged and walked away, leaving them standing in the entryway.
Audrey didn’t buy Laurie’s nonchalance. She was upset and trying hard not to let it show.
“That was interesting,” Sami said beneath her breath. “I guess we’re not eating here.”
“We’ve worn out our welcome,” Drew’s deep voice intoned.
They left the restaurant. Audrey glanced back to see Laurie watching them through the window. She climbed into the truck next to Nathanial. He handed Drew the directions.
On the drive along the country road leading to his family home, Nathanial leaned forward to ask Drew, “Did you know about Laurie? Had I ever mentioned her?”
Audrey’s pulse ticked up. She watched Drew meet Nathanial’s gaze in the rearview mirror, his expression stoic. “No.”
Nathanial’s nod was terse as he sat back and stared out the side window at the sparse landscape.
Audrey let out a silent huff. Men.
They arrived at a single dwelling with a detached garage on an acre lot. A large Christmas tree twinkled in the front window, and strands of colored lights hung from the eaves. As they parked in the driveway, the front door opened. A tall man with the same dark hair as Nathanial—only this man’s was sprinkled with gray—stepped out of the house. He wore jeans and a thick sweater over wide shoulders. He squinted at them, no doubt wondering what the RCMP was doing at his house.
Audrey glanced from him to Nathanial and noted the striking resemblance between the two men. This had to be Nathanial’s father.
“You ready for this?” she asked Nathanial.
He rolled his own wide shoulders. “I have to be.” He caught her hand. “Would you mind saying a prayer?”
Surprised yet pleased by the request, she sought words. “Dear Lord, we come before You with humble hearts asking for clarity. We pray that Nathanial’s mind will open up and remember his past. In Your name, amen.”
“Amen,” Nathanial murmured then gave her hand a squeeze. “Thank you. I can’t express how glad I am that you’re here. I don’t think I could do this without you.” He slipped his hand away and then stepped out of the truck.
Audrey swallowed back the pleasure of his words and fought for the emotional distance she knew she needed but was proving elusive.
* * *
Nathanial’s heart pounded with trepidation. After the chaos of being chased and shot at, then coming face-to-face with a woman from his past, he was surprised by the depth of anxiety flooding his system.
Please, Lord, let me remember my father.
As he approached the man standing on the stoop, a glimmer of recognition ignited inside Nathanial’s chest. There was no question in his mind that this man was his father. God was listening.
But Nathanial didn’t know how to greet his dad. Were they the kind of people who hugged, or did they regulate their physical contact to a handshake?
“Son,” the man boomed, his voice working its way through Nathanial to soothe away the worry. “What a nice surprise.” He pulled Nathanial into his embrace. Nathanial breathed in the s
cent of pipe tobacco and pine. For a moment an image flashed of this man, his father, smoking a curled pipe near the fireplace, and a sense of security wrapped around Nathanial, much like the strong arms holding him close.
“Your mother will be giddy with joy.” He released Nathanial and beamed at him. “She’s at Coralie’s having her hair done. I’ll give her a call.”
“Thanks, Dad,” Nathanial said, though the word felt strange on his tongue. “But first I need to tell you something.” He quickly explained about his memory loss, leaving out the attempts on his life. The last thing he needed to do was upset his parents any more than he had to.
A frown deepened the lines around his father’s light brown eyes. “You don’t know what happened to you?”
“No, but I’m hoping that being here will trigger my memories.” Feeling awkward, he gestured to his companions. “This is RCMP inspector Drew Kelley and his wife, US FBI agent Sami Bennett-Kelley.”
Dad shook hands with Drew. “I’ve heard about you, Drew. I’m glad to meet you.”
“Good stuff I hope, sir,” Drew replied.
“Of course. And please, call me Leo.”
Dad smiled at Sami and engulfed her hand in his large one. “Welcome, Sami.”
“Thank you, Leo,” Sami replied.
“And this is Deputy Sheriff Audrey Martin.” Nathanial drew Audrey forward.
“A deputy.” Curiosity radiated off Dad as he shook Audrey’s offered hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“Likewise,” Audrey said with a smile.
“Come in out of the cold.” Dad led the way inside the house and immediately went to the landline on the kitchen counter to call his wife.
Nathanial remembered arguing with Dad about making sure he and Mom kept the landline despite the expense when everyone they knew had converted to cell phones. In case of an emergency at the house, the emergency response dispatcher would immediately have their address to send help, whereas a cell phone didn’t provide the same sort of specific location, only a general area, which could take up precious time in getting rescue personnel to the scene.
Nathanial stepped inside, and a gush of emotion choked him. Sharp pain streaked through his head. He fought past it. “I do remember this place.”
“That’s good,” Audrey said. “Just let your mind work at its own pace.”
He nodded, knowing that every time he tried to force the memories to come, he only succeeded in causing himself pain. “Right.”
He moved to the tree and touched the ornaments as more images rushed over him. The years of his childhood flooded in. Not all of them were happy memories. He closed his eyes, recalling the fights, the yelling between his parents and the scared little boy he’d once been, who’d hidden in the closet or under the covers of his bed to escape their furious voices.
An involuntary shudder rippled over him. Audrey touched his shoulder, her hand gentle but firm.
“Tell me what you remember,” she said softly.
Sending a quick glance toward where his father spoke on the phone, Nathanial dropped his voice. “I don’t think my parents’ marriage is a happy one. They fought a lot.”
Audrey’s eyebrows rose. “But they’re still together, so it couldn’t be that bad.”
She had a point. Something for him to ponder. Or ask his parents about. Later.
Dad hung up and joined them. “Your mom is on her way home. Can I offer you something to eat or drink?”
“Food would be great, Dad,” Nathanial said, his mouth suddenly watering for a homemade meal.
Dad rubbed his hands together. “Perfect. I’ll warm up your mother’s split-pea soup and crusty bread.”
“Thanks, Dad.” Nathanial liked saying the word. It helped him to feel somewhat normal.
“Can we help?” Drew said, drawing Sami into the kitchen with Dad.
“Why don’t you take a walk through the house, see what else you remember?” Audrey advised.
Nathanial headed down the narrow hallway with Audrey behind him. He stopped at the closed door of a room that had his name etched on a wooden plaque. His room. He pushed the door open, not sure what to expect.
Apparently his mother had turned his childhood space into her sewing area. A table with a large sewing machine was positioned beneath the overhead light. Knitting supplies spilled from woven baskets. Bolts of cloth and other paraphernalia were scattered around the floor.
A photo hung on the wall, drawing Nathanial’s gaze. It was a family picture of his parents and him when he was around twelve. He held up a fish he’d apparently caught in the lake that provided a scenic backdrop. He touched the image of his mother. She was a beautiful woman with long straight black hair, black eyes that sparkled and a kind smile. They looked happy in this photo.
“You were a cute kid,” Audrey commented as she moved to stand beside him.
“Thanks.” The tantalizing scent of her vanilla shampoo teased his nose. He faced her. “What if that cute boy turned out to be a not-so-great guy?”
She tucked in her chin. “I don’t believe that.”
Needing an anchor, he fingered the silky strands of her hair.
It hurt his soul to think he’d been that guy.
Audrey placed a hand on his chest, over his heart. “We don’t know all the details. You were both young. Don’t condemn yourself without all the facts.”
She always looked for the best in people and in situations. He was glad her time in law enforcement hadn’t jaded her. “I admire how you keep giving me the benefit of the doubt,” he said. “I don’t think I deserve it.”
“Everyone deserves the benefit of the doubt.”
“Even a man who can’t remember his past?”
“Especially a man who can’t remember his past.”
Attraction flared bright, like the North Star, guiding him toward her. She leaned closer as if she, too, were struck with the same powerful magnetic pull. His mouth hovered over hers, giving her a chance to back away. Her direct gaze welcomed him. He drew in a breath, prepared to follow through on the promised kiss.
“Nathanial!”
Audrey jerked back, disengaging from him in a split second. He closed his eyes for a moment as awareness and the most elemental memories washed over him. He recognized his mother’s voice. He turned toward the woman who’d given birth to him with emotion choking the breath from his lungs.
Mom stood in the doorway, her face lit up with joy. She was about Audrey’s height but slighter. Her long black hair was streaked with silver strands. Her blue pants were tucked into faux-fur winter boots. She wore a knitted sweater with a Christmas motif. She rushed forward to hug him.
“You’ve been gone too long,” she breathed out.
“I’m here now.” He held her tight as love swamped him.
She pulled back to look at him. “Your friends told your father you’d sustained an injury that put you in the hospital. You have amnesia?”
He told her of waking up on the beach in Calico Bay, not knowing how he had ended up there. “Audrey saved my life.” His throat nearly closed on the words. His mom didn’t seem to notice, but the quick look Audrey shot him made it clear she had. He quickly looked away before revealing how much she’d come to mean to him.
Mom captured Audrey’s hands in hers. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” Audrey extracted her hands, her self-consciousness obvious only to him. “Is there a washroom available?”
“Across the hall,” Mom said.
Left alone with his mom, Nathanial broached the subject of Laurie Bartlett. “What can you tell me about my relationship with her?”
Mom arched a black eyebrow. “What do you remember?”
“Nothing.” He tried not to let frustration color his words. “We crossed paths with Laurie earlie
r today. She told me we were together for a while.” And he’d seen the hurt in her eyes when she’d realized he didn’t remember her. Had he broken her heart at one time?
Mom let out a long-suffering sigh. “She’s a nice enough young lady. However, I never thought she was right for you. But what does a mother know?”
“Mom.”
She patted his arm. “You two dated for most of high school and planned to get married the summer after you graduated.”
“We didn’t get married, though.” Had he been commitment shy even then?
“No, you didn’t.”
Though he had no recollection of that time, something inside him reacted with a deep welling of sorrow that seared him in the heart. “Why didn’t I marry her?”
“That’s between you and Laurie.”
Disappointed at the lack of information, he ran a hand through his hair. The sensation of guilt stole over him. Had he callously ditched Laurie? Had he ever loved her? He needed to talk to her again. To know the truth, to make amends. “Have I been engaged to anyone else?”
“Not that I know of.” Mom cupped his cheek. “I’m so proud of the man you’ve become.”
He wished he could remember that man.
She linked her arm through his. “So tell me about Audrey.”
“There’s nothing to tell, Mom. She’s helping me find my past.” Because it was her job. But he wished it was so much more.
She patted his arm. “You keep telling yourself that.”
TWELVE
Audrey closed the bathroom door behind her and pressed her hands to her hot cheeks, mortified that Nathanial’s mother had nearly caught them in a kiss. Great, just the impression she wanted his family to have of her. Not. How totally unprofessional!
But she’d been unable to stop herself from offering Nathanial comfort. He was understandably upset over learning about his past relationship. Most likely Laurie had been his first love. But what had happened between them? “Lord, I’m not even sure what to pray. Healing, comfort? Forgiveness? You know what’s needed.”