by Vicki Hinze
Ben noticed it too. “Harvey, Lisa—something’s wrong with him.”
Darla inched back and then tried to run.
Jeff Meyers intercepted her with little physical effort. She heaped curses on his head, but her verbal abuse seemed to roll right off him. He sent a relieved look at Kelly. “I’m glad you’re all right, but if you ever pull a stunt like running in here on your own again, so help me, I’ll arrest you for nearly giving us all heart attacks.”
“It wasn’t one of my finest moments,” she admitted. “But there were extenuating circumstances.”
“Not enough of them to keep you out of jail.”
Kelly smiled. “Yes sir.”
Mel let out a heartfelt sigh. “Whoa.”
Lisa was stooped near Paul Johnson, checking him out. “He’ll be fine.”
Mel told Kelly, “He has a history. When he gets acute anxiety, he zones out. It’s a self-preservation thing. Dr. Talbot explained it to me one time—using different words, but that’s what he meant.”
“Ah.” Kelly rubbed her forehead.
“You okay, Lisa?” Mark asked from beside her.
How had Kelly missed that tenderness in his eyes when he looked at Lisa?
“I’m glad you’re here.” She glanced up at him. “Next time, don’t wait so long, though, okay?”
“I’ll make a note of it.”
Kelly looked at Peggy. There was a definite twinkle in her eye.
“I’m seeing Cupid getting a fix on them,” Mel whispered to Kelly.
She agreed but didn’t say so.
“Mel, can you get an ambulance?” Lisa said. “Mr. Johnson’s going to require transport.”
Jeff had Darla cornered. “Mark, I need a hand.”
“Sure.” He walked over. “Ben, run a quick check in the back, will you? Make sure neither of these two left us any gifts back there.”
Ben double-timed it down the hall.
“Watch that one while I get some backup to escort Mr. Johnson to the hospital.”
Ben came running through from the back of the building, took in what was happening, and went straight to Kelly. “Everyone okay?”
“Fine.” She smiled. “Glad you avoided that knife.”
He dropped a kiss to her temple. “So am I.”
“You can’t arrest me,” Darla spat at Mark.
“I’m not.” He nodded toward Jeff. “Meyers is.”
She tried to twist free of Mark’s hold. “He can’t either. I am the mayor’s wife. His wife!”
“The mayor is dead, Mrs. Green.” Peggy stepped closer, a still photo in her hand. “So is a man named Richard Massey. Maybe you knew him?” She held up a photo of Massey and Darla in Massey’s office.
Having Paul secured, Jeff turned to Darla. “Well, well. Interesting photo, Mrs. Mayor.” Jeff grunted. “You are coming with me.”
“Whatever for?”
The remnants of humor left the detective’s face. “You’re a person of interest in the death of Richard Massey.”
“No. No. I will not stand for this.”
“Then sit down, because this is where we are and what we have, and you’ve got a lot of explaining to do.” Meyers motioned to Mark. “I could use a little help getting this one into my car. Ambulance should be here for him any moment,” he said, gesturing toward Paul.
Mark and Jeff led Darla out of Crossroads.
Ben watched over Johnson. Minutes later, the EMTs arrived, put Johnson on a stretcher, and took him out. Through the window, Ben saw Jeff Meyers instructing one of his men to escort Johnson to the hospital.
When the ambulance pulled away from the curb, the group inside the center let out a collective sigh, and none was louder or more deeply felt than Kelly’s.
“Glad that’s over.” Lisa frowned. “Reminds me too much of the way things go at my mother’s.”
A wave of regret that Lisa Harper had to live through that crashed over Kelly.
“You can always do something about it.” Peggy looked at Lisa with concern and genuine empathy.
“As soon as I can afford it. Two more months, I’ll have my license and she’ll be out of there,” Lisa added, in a tone that fairly screamed that two months could seem like a lifetime.
That sparked an idea. One for the beach house.
Kelly mulled over the idea on the way back to the cottage and as she went to sleep. It was on her mind the moment she awakened.
Okay, God. I’ve got the message.
She smiled at the cottage ceiling. There had been no path for Ben and her. But God created one. It was true, what the Bible said. He turns what is meant to harm you to good.
Now, if Peggy and Ben would just cooperate …
As Kelly dressed and prepared to go to the center, she dared to hope God was talking to them too.
Wednesday, October 14
“Kelly.” Peggy greeted her from Mel’s desk as she walked in the door. “I’m surprised to see you here this morning.”
“Doris drove me in. She’s parking the car. I need to talk to you. If you have a minute.”
“Sure.”
“I have a plan for the beach house,” she told Peggy, then briefly explained.
“Well,” Peggy said. “Your enthusiasm is contagious. Just what we need around here after some very demanding days.”
“You like the idea?”
“No. No, I don’t.” Peggy looked down, her expression sober, then flashed her a beaming smile. “I love it.”
“Oh, good.” Kelly let out a laugh. “You had me worried there.”
“Sorry, I couldn’t resist.”
Doris came in, her handbag swinging at her hip, her coffee cup in hand. “Morning, everyone.”
“Hi, Doris,” Peggy said. “She’s got you up early, huh?”
“Just a little.” Doris slid Kelly an indulgent look. “Not that I mind.”
“Morning, Doris. Kelly.” Ben joined them at the front desk. “What are you doing here at this hour? You’re supposed to be sleeping.”
“I was too excited.”
His smile faded. “I guess you’re eager to get back home, huh?”
He sounded desolate but resigned, fueling her hope that this would give them just what they needed: time. “Actually, no.”
His eyes brightened. “No? You’re not eager to get home?”
She shook her head. “I’m glad you came in. I need to talk to you about something.”
“What?”
“I’ve made some plans that will require me to stay here for a while, and I was wondering if I could rent your cottage. I’m already settled in there, and the security puts my mind at ease. Who knows how many more NINA operatives are out there.”
Ben’s smile returned and kicked up several watts. “Of course. Stay as long as you like.” Confusion crossed his face and tugged at his expression. “Um, why are you staying?”
“Because you and I need time, and I have some remodeling to do on Aunt Beth’s beach house.”
“You loved being at that beach house.”
“I did,” she said, surprised he remembered. “Nora and I have been talking about it, and we think it can be put to good use. Peggy agrees.”
He looked from her to Peggy, who nodded, then looked back at Kelly. “Oh?”
Kelly resisted the urge to fidget. “I’m calling it Safe Haven, in Susan’s honor. Maybe it can be a safe haven for someone like Lisa and/or her mother.” Kelly shrugged. “A place to heal.”
“That’s terrific, Kelly.” Ben glanced at Peggy. “Mark will love it.”
“Mark?” Kelly asked.
“He worries about Lisa.”
“Ah.” So Mark definitely had a thing for Lisa. Kelly had suspected it, and Ben had mentioned it, but apparently it was a serious thing that had been going on for some time. Would they end up together? Did Lisa know it? “It’ll be at least a couple of months until the beach house is fit for human habitation. It needs a first-rate security system too.” If things went as she hoped, then Annie and Lisa would b
e living in it and they wouldn’t have to worry about Dutch bothering them. “Are you sure you’re okay with me being in your cottage for that long?”
“Positive.” He let his gaze linger, studying her face a long time. “Stay as long as you like.”
Such warmth in that look!
“Um, I hate to be abrupt, but could you excuse me for a second? It won’t be long,” Ben said, a hand in his slacks pocket. “But there’s something I have to do, and it can’t wait.”
“Of course.” Kelly watched him go. Maybe she’d been wrong. Maybe things could work out for them after all.
“Give him time,” Peggy whispered to Kelly.
Craning her neck, Kelly glanced at her. “Time for what?”
Peggy dipped her chin and looked at her over the top of her glasses. “Time to realize he’s in love with you, and then time to accept that loving you is not betraying Susan.”
“Do you think he’ll get there, Peggy? Honestly?”
Peggy smiled. “Pray on it.”
Faintly disappointed, Kelly promised, “Oh, but I am.”
“You know how this works.” Doris patted Kelly’s shoulder. “If you’re sure something is what you want, then praise God like you’ve already got it.”
Kelly frowned at Doris. “Does that work without infringing on the free will of people involved?”
Peggy and Doris shared a mischievous look. “What do you think?”
“I think I’m not going to get a straight answer from either of you.” Kelly let them see her frustration, which was only partly feigned.
“You’d be right about that.” Peggy turned to Doris. “How about a refill on your coffee, or a cup of hot chocolate?”
“Love some.” They moved together toward the kitchen.
“Some help you two are.”
Walking by, Harvey chuckled. “I think there’s a point to them not helping you, Kelly.” He caught her snarl and lifted a hand. “Don’t bite. It was just a friendly thought.”
“Harvey,” Mel called out to him. “Emergency Management. Line two.”
“I’m on it.”
Kelly looked around. Everyone had been going full out countless hours, but still sandwiched in life. She loved that about this place.
This was Susan’s dream.
A sense of loss swept over her that Susan hadn’t lived to see it. She would have been so happy, so proud.
Could Kelly ever earn her own place here, living in Ben and Susan’s world? A world that Susan would have survived to experience herself if Kelly hadn’t been on Chessman’s terrace and been mistakenly identified as Susan.
Would Kelly feel as if she were stealing Susan’s future? Always feel like an outsider who shouldn’t be here?
God, if this is my place and Ben is the one You’ve chosen for me, I need a sign. I can’t live my whole life feeling guilty. I know I didn’t kill her or Christopher, but … You know what I mean and how I feel. Show me if this is my path. I believe it is, but my heart is conflicted. I need Your steady hand. I need to know that I won’t get lost in preserving her dream. Our life can’t be their life with me substituting for her. I need my own life. My own place. And I need to know I’m loved for myself. Can You do that for me, God? Give me a sign?
Your will, Lord. Not mine.
Prepared for whatever the outcome now that she’d put the matter in His hands, she waited for His answer.
It would take time for both Ben and her to find their answers. And for now, she would dare to live with hope and possibility.
Regardless of God’s answer, she would honor it. Knowing He would settle for nothing less than her greater good, how could she not?
While her vision of the future was limited and flawed by narrow perception, His was not.
In knowing it, there was enormous confidence and peace.
Ben walked up behind her. “You ready to head back to the cottage?”
“Yes.” She gave him a smile. “I’m so exhausted I’m not sure I can walk.”
“Swinging extinguishers and making tripwires of hoses will zap your strength.”
“Is that an insult?”
“Absolutely not.” His eyes twinkled. “Just remind me never to get on the wrong side of you. You’re resourceful.”
She forced a snooty sarcasm into her tone. “I’ll make a note to send you all necessary memos.”
“Thanks.” He lightly bumped their shoulders. “And if you’re too weary to walk, I’ll carry you.”
She stilled. Looked up at him. “Really?”
“Really.” He licked his lower lip. “Would that be okay with you?”
“Definitely.” She moved toward the door. When he reached to open it, she added, “Ben?” He paused to look at her and she said, “When you’re too weary to walk, I’ll carry you too.”
He gave her a smile so warm and full that it melted her heart. “I’m counting on that.”
28
A week before Thanksgiving, Kelly parked her white Blazer in the lot, then rounded the corner and entered Crossroads Crisis Center.
Mel was at her desk, nose buried in her biology book. “Hi, Kelly.”
“How’s the studying going for the big exam?” She had been preparing for at least two weeks.
“Dr. Talbot’s been helping me,” Mel said. “But now that he’s heading up the disaster team—hurricane heading toward Texas—”
“I heard. It’s late in the season for a Category 3.” Kelly shivered. There’d be significant damage.
“They’re expecting it to be a Cat 4 before it hits.”
“So Harvey had to divert. You need help, then?”
“No, he’s passed the torch to Dr. Harper.” Mel blew out an exaggerated breath. “I don’t know how anyone makes it through college without a team of experts helping her.” Mel hadn’t gotten the foundation most get in high school, so she needed extra help. “It’s not a cakewalk, but it’s worth it.”
Kelly snatched a mint from the bowl on the corner of Mel’s desk. “I’m pretty good in finance, civics, and history if you need help on any of those things.”
“I’m counting on you next semester.” Mel grimaced. “Statistics. Why I need that to teach, I have no idea, but I have to take it.”
“No problem,” Kelly said. “Where’s Ben?”
“In the back.”
Kelly was halfway down the hallway before it hit her that both she and Mel had assumed Kelly would still be here next semester.
Lisa’s voice carried out into the hall from her office. From her tone, it was her stepfather again. It seemed to be reserved just for him.
Worrying her lip, Kelly hoped Clyde Parker got that tunnel sealed and the beach house remodeled before the end of the year. It would sure be nice for Lisa and her mom to be in a safe place for Christmas—if they’d do it. There was a place for Annie at The Towers now, but Lisa’s mother wouldn’t go there because her husband knew where it was and he’d come after her. He’d been there before, for Lisa, which is what convinced the judge to sign that restraining order. Ben had offered relocation, but Annie wouldn’t leave the village. Kelly could appreciate that. Seagrove had been Annie’s home all her life.
“Kelly!” Peggy called out as Kelly walked past her office.
She stopped and ducked her head in. “Hi there.”
“You’re a certified crisis counselor, right?”
“Yes, but I’ve never had a practice.”
“Great. A practice isn’t important, the credentials are. I need your help.”
Kelly walked into the office. “What do you need?”
“Harvey’s heading the crisis counseling team for Delia—the hurricane projected to hit Texas. I’m short two counselors. Will you go?”
After all they’d done for her, how could she refuse? “Sure.”
“Great.” Peggy looked immediately relieved.
“Do you want me to round up another counselor?”
“No,” Peggy said softly. “I corralled Ben. He’s agreed to do it.”
Shock rippled through Kelly. “Our Ben?”
“Our Ben.” Peggy’s eyes gleamed.
That was pleasant if unexpected news. He’d been getting involved in little things but still tried to keep his distance from the center. “That’s great news.”
“I thought so.” Peggy bit a smile from her lips.
Kelly left the office and ran into Mel, who was quietly laughing. “She’s Cupid in a skirt,” Mel whispered. “And she thinks she’s being so sly.”
Peggy Crane was about as sly as a sledgehammer. Kelly loved that about her, and with Ben, she’d take all the help she could get. “Where exactly is Ben?”
“I’m not sure,” Mel said. “He was pretty upset when he heard the mayor had been poisoned. Paul Johnson is blaming everything on Chessman and Darla Green. Apparently, Paul and Darla created a partnership and kept it from Gregory.”
“How could he not know it?”
“Chessman thought the mayor was his partner. He had no idea it was Darla. They communicated through text messages, so he couldn’t tell.”
“What a shocker.” Kelly could but imagine. Everyone seemed to be crossing everyone. Guess it worked that way when you dealt with terrorists like NINA, who were involved in all manner of horrific things, and with nefarious types like Chessman and Johnson. Kelly shuddered.
The third man on the terrace, the NINA operative, was Karl Masson, according to the FBI, but so far he’d evaded capture. Though NINA was certainly a large organization with plenty of operatives still working, Kelly would personally sleep better if Masson, too, had been caught. Having him on the loose, even if he’d gone underground and wasn’t likely to surface soon, never strayed too far from her mind. Even if on every watch list known to Homeland Security, people like that historically showed up at the most inopportune times—not that there was an opportune time to collide with a terrorist.
“What about Darla and Richard Massey?” Kelly asked Mel.
“You know they’ve got her on tape leaving his office, but she’s still denying it.”
“’Course she is.”
“Won’t work anymore, though. They’ve found the gun in her possession.”
“That’s pretty much it, then.”
Overwhelmed, Kelly made a U-turn and went back to the reception area. She stopped at the long table, above which Susan’s portrait hung, and looked up into her smiling, still face.