“I appreciate that, son.” Pete sighed. He, his brothers Frank and Will, and their wife Abigail, were blessed with four very large, strong, handsome, good sons. Before Bryant was deployed, he was close to his brothers, but the war changed all that. He was in pain. He didn’t want any kind of attention or affection, and he pushed everyone away. Pete wished that there was some way to get through to him.
“So are you spending the night, or are you coming home soon?” Quinn asked as he stood up. Pete glanced at his watch. It was nearly seven.
“I will be headed home shortly. I just have a few notes to write down and then I’ll head toward the ranch.”
“Sounds good. Good night, Dad, and I’ll see ya in a bit.”
* * * *
It was nearly nine in the evening when Pete Jones decided to close up the office and head home. He got caught up in an article on post-traumatic stress syndrome and then on military soldiers struggling to adapt to normal life after experiencing war. There was a lot of useful information in the articles, and tomorrow he would search for more.
As he gathered his belongings, he heard some weird noises coming from outside the back door. He figured maybe it was from the raccoons again and they were trying to get into the garbage. Crazy critters caused nothing but damage and a mess to clean up. Frustrated, he opened the door, saw what looked like a teenager and quickly closed it a little so the kid couldn’t see him. He swallowed hard as he watched the teen move the garbage bins into a circular formation then pull a fat duffle bag into the circle. The teenager then pulled out a blanket and placed it over the top of the garbage bins, making an instant shelter.
Who can this teenager be? There are only a handful in Pearl.
Then it hit him. What if the kid was a runaway? What if their parents were searching for them? He wasn’t sure what to do when suddenly his cell phone rang, disturbing the silence. He pushed open the door the same time the blanket moved, and garbage pails tumbled over, spreading garbage all over the place.
“Hey, wait!” Pete called out as he reached for the teenager. She screamed, and he pulled his hand away, instantly knowing it was a girl. As she pushed past him and into the light, he yelled to her.
“Stop! Don’t be afraid. I’m a doctor and this is my office. Please don’t run,” he begged of her. He was compelled to find out who she was and why she was alone out here at night.
She turned to him.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make the mess. I was just looking for a place to hang out for a while.”
He saw her tattered clothing, her dirty face, covered with grime, but the bright, aqua-blue color of her eyes stood out more than anything. They were gorgeous, and he was at a loss for words.
“It’s okay. Please don’t be frightened. I thought I was going to find raccoons out here.”
She stared at him and showed no emotion. He could tell she didn’t trust him, and her stance was defensive.
“I haven’t seen you around here before. When did you arrive in Pearl?” he asked.
“Listen Dr, sir, or whatever you are, I didn’t mean to cause any damage. I’ll clean it up.”
He looked at the abundant mess. “Well, I’ll help you. It’s quite the mess after all.” He began to pick up the garbage containers she’d knocked over. The young woman quickly cleaned up the mess. As he thought about what to ask her next, they both turned around to the sound of a vehicle pulling into the parking lot.
“Cops,” she stated then grabbed her bag and took off across the side of the building.
“Wait! It’s okay.”
* * * *
“What’s going on, Dad?” Deputy Kenny Jones asked as he walked over toward the side parking lot where his dad stood calling into the darkness.
“Did you see her?”
“See who?”
His dad looked around then back at his son.
“Forget about it.”
“What the hell happened here?” Kenny asked as he eyed the mess of garbage on the ground along with a blanket.
“Damn raccoons,” his father stated.
“What’s this?” Kenny asked his dad as he held up the blanket.
“Oh, I’ll take that. What are you doing here?”
He raised his eyes at his dad’s question. He was acting funny, and it didn’t seem like he was calling after raccoons, but rather, a person.
“You sure that nothing is going on?” Kenny asked.
“Yeah, I’m sure, Deputy. Let me lock up so we can head on home.”
“I’m working until midnight.” He told his dad as he watched his father grab his things from inside then lock up the door. Once again, his dad glanced into the darkness at the same area he was looking into before when Kenny first arrived.
“Are you coming, too?” his dad asked as they walked toward the truck.
“No, I’m working until midnight. Wyatt’s working the night shift.”
“Oh, okay, then. Good night.” His father got into his truck and left.
Kenny stood there watching. The town was so quiet at night. He could hear the sounds of the crickets and the slow trickle of water dripping from the gutters on the side of the building, and it was peaceful. He took a deep breath then walked back to his patrol car.
* * * *
Lena continued to hide out around the corner of the building between two large, thick bushes. Perhaps this was a better place to hide tonight than the small garbage shelter by the doctor’s office. The man seemed very nice, but she knew that people couldn’t be trusted. Trust was something earned, and she wasn’t willing to take any unnecessary chances. She wondered how the hell she wound up in this town called Pearl? That little old lady with the three men with her seemed awfully nice. She claimed that they had lived in Pearl for many years and were taking a trip together. The men watched the woman closely, and they seemed to really care for her. It gave Lena a weird feeling inside. The lady told her about the town and made it sound so magical. Before she knew what she was doing, she paid the extra fifty bucks for the bus to bring her to Turbank. From there she walked to Pearl. It had been a hell of a trip. She had hoped that Pearl had a public restroom or somewhere she could get cleaned up. Maybe a pond would be okay, but she knew nothing about the outdoors, never mind living and surviving in Texas. Were there wild animals, snakes, and poisonous spiders? The thought gave her the heebie jeebies. Yikes.
She shook then closed her eyes. A bath would have to wait. Then she wondered why the doctor hadn’t told that deputy about seeing her. Would the older man want something in return? She felt funny thinking that the man had done that to help himself not Lena. Her gut told her that he was a nice man. She didn’t have much of a choice now. She was down to her last twenty bucks. She needed work and a place to stay. She snuggled deeper against the wall between the bushes and hoped to get some rest. It had been days since she slept more than a few minutes. It was peaceful here, and all she could hear were the sounds of what living in the country in Texas was like. She thought about poor Sage and hoped that she was okay. She actually felt guilty for leaving her. Even though Sage was Ariel’s sister, it had been Lena who kept Sage out of trouble and got her the job in the restaurant. They would have been fine if Ariel hadn’t gotten involved with Triumph and his gang.
She got the chills as she thought about him.
Please don’t let him go after Sage.
* * * *
“So, you think she’s on the run or perhaps in some kind of trouble? You didn’t recognize her?” Pete’s wife Abigail asked him as he sat on the bed along with Frank and Will.
“I’m not sure, Abby. She was really scared but also polite.”
“Polite?” Frank asked, sounding surprised.
“Yeah, she was concerned over cleaning up the mess, and she apologized for it and cleaned it up.”
“That doesn’t sound like a troubled teenager. You didn’t recognize her at all or tell Kenny about her?” Will asked.
“Naw. I would have remembered if I had seen
a teenager with eyes as bright and different as hers. They were aqua-blue and big. She wore a hooded sweatshirt, so I don’t know what color her hair was, and by her response to seeing police show up, I’d say she had a fear of cops.” He stood up from the bed and walked toward the window. He ran his hands through his hair. The concern for the teenager was consuming him.
“Pete, what’s the matter?” Abigail asked as she joined him by the window, placing her arms around his waist. He pulled her into his arms then looked at his brothers over her shoulder.
“There was something about her, Abby. I think she’ll come back again, at least I hope she does. I want to help her.”
Abigail smiled.
“Then help her. Maybe she’s from Turbank or somewhere like that. You find out, Pete. You’re great at helping those in need.”
He smiled, feeling confident that he could help the teenager. He just worried that before he got to see her again something bad might happen.
Chapter 2
In the kitchen, Bryant poured another few shots of whiskey into his black coffee. The house was dark with the shades drawn tight. The kitchen was a mess. The entire house was. He really didn’t give a shit. He would have been fine living in his truck out in the middle of nowhere. His life sucked. He couldn’t sleep a fucking wink without waking up in a cold sweat or practically crying like a fucking baby.
His brothers, his fathers, and mom would fucking lose it. They would think he was weak.
He took a deep breath and exhaled as the pain hit his chest. Lifting the cup toward his mouth, he could smell the heavy sting of alcohol. But he knew it wouldn’t be enough to stop the constant feeling of pain.
His leg ached, his heart ached, and his entire body and soul felt numb. If he could drive the fucking truck without his leg cramping up, he would drive it off a fucking cliff.
He drank down the half a cup of coping medicine and closed his eyes as the burning traveled down his throat.
Why didn’t You take me? Why am I still alive?
* * * *
Dr. Jones knew that the teenager had returned the last few nights. He had left packages of food, clothing, and even a sleeping bag. The teenager was taking her time, and soon two weeks had passed. He confided in his son, Kenny, about the girl, and of course Kenny warned him to be cautious. Kenny wanted to wait outside one night and try to stop her to talk to her. He figured that maybe he could help as well. But that plan backfired as a group of young teen boys decided to do a little shopping at the supermarket after hours. They broke into the store and stole some cheap wine and chocolate chip cookies. He was currently searching for them.
Dr. Jones walked outside of his office around nine in the evening just as he had done the last two weeks and since the first night he saw her.
“If you’re out there, I’d really like to talk with you. I think I can help you if you let me. My wife said to invite you over for supper. Would you like to do that? Would you like to come meet my family?” He looked out into the darkness and hoped that she was there, listening to him.
The silence lasted a few moments.
“Thank you for everything you have left for me.”
The quiet feminine voice came from the side of the building.
“You’re welcome, dear. Maybe you can come out from the darkness and we can talk a while. I brought some bottles of sweet tea from the Caldoway store. They have lots of homemade things over there including jellies and jams.” He felt like an idiot, rambling on in the darkness.
“Is that deputy hiding out waiting for me?” she asked.
“Kenny? No, oh now, dear, that’s my son. He’s busy now, anyways. Caught some boys breaking into the local store to steal some food. He’ll be busy for a while.”
His heart hammered in his chest as the young teenager came out of the darkness and into the light. Her hood remained covering her head, and he could hardly make out her face, but she was there. This was the opportunity he had waited for.
“Where are you from?” he asked.
“Far away from here, mister.”
“Everyone around here calls me Doc.”
“What kind of a doctor are you?”
“Family practitioner. I deal with everything from the common cold to child birth.”
He swallowed hard and hoped that she wasn’t in some kind of trouble.
“I know what a family practitioner is. People like you a lot. They talk about you as soon as they exit the office. Heard them say that you were the best doctor around and a good person.”
“I’m the only doctor around for miles, honey.” He chuckled but she didn’t. “Are you going to tell me where you’re from?”
“A long ways away from here, Doc.”
“Well, welcome to Pearl. What’s your name?” he asked.
She remained silent but moved a little closer.
“How come there aren’t any public restrooms around here with showers?” she asked.
“No need for them.”
“I need one,” she mumbled then began to walk away.
“Hey, what about my invite, you know, to come meet my family?”
“That’s okay, sir, I mean, Doc. Thank you for the food and the clothes. I’ll manage. I just need to…”
She hesitated. He could tell that she wanted to ask something, but she fidgeted with her hands a moment.
“Is there anything I can help you with? Maybe call someone for you?”
“I just need to get a shower and get cleaned up so I can find a job. Do you know of anyone who’s hiring?” she asked, sounding kind of mature for a teenager.
“I can ask around. Got any experience with anything particular?”
“I’ve waitressed, cleaned houses, and lots of other small things.”
He thought about that a moment, and an idea began to form in his head.
“I have a shower and bathroom inside my office. I can get the things you need, and you can get ready in there.”
She stepped back.
“I don’t think so. How do I know you’re not some kind of pervert?” she asked.
He cleared his throat.
“I’m not, but I’m impressed that you’re wary and not gullible. I can call my wife Abigail. She can stick around if that makes you feel better?”
“Tomorrow, same time as tonight good?” she asked.
“Sure.”
“Good night, Doc.”
She disappeared into the darkness, and he felt both triumphant and nervous. She wasn’t very trusting, which indicated that she was used to being betrayed or lied to. He had to call Abigail. His wife would help him.
* * * *
Dr. Jones headed over to his son Bryant’s house. He knocked on the door then turned the knob when no one answered.
“Bryant! Bryant, it’s Dad, are you in here? Are you okay?”
“Leave me alone,” Bryant yelled, and Dr. Jones headed into the living room. He was shocked to see Bryant lying on the floor with a pillow under his leg and weights on the floor.
“What are you doing?”
“None of your fucking business.”
“Bryant, I won’t allow you to speak to me like this. I love you, son, and I want to help you.”
Bryant rolled his eyes.
“I can’t get up.” He stated.
Dr. Jones immediately went over to help him. He dodged old, empty boxes of delivery food and spilled coffee, beer, and soda bottles.
“This place is a mess.”
“Yeah, well I gave the maid the year off.”
Dr. Jones helped his son sit up.
“That’s all I needed. I got a bad Charlie Horse. I was lying there for a while just thinking about how this all sucks.”
“Well, maybe a cleaning person is what you need. You know, to just tidy up after you.”
“I don’t fucking think so and don’t send Mom or the fathers over either. Oh and fucking forget about Quinn, Blake, or Kenny.”
“We just want to help you.”
“You ca
n help me by closing the fucking door on your way out.”
* * * *
Abigail knew immediately that the young girl was not a teenager but a young woman. She was stunning, and Doc had been right, her eyes were the brightest blue she had ever seen. When he said aqua-blue, Doc wasn’t kidding. Getting her to talk a little took some finagling, but Abigail was successful, and Lena was grateful for the hospitality. She could tell that the young woman was on guard and careful not to divulge where she came from or personal information on her.
“Your husband is very kind. I wasn’t sure what to expect when he didn’t call the police and report me but instead left food and blankets for me,” Lena told her.
“Yeah, Doc is a special man with a real big heart. He loves helping people. I’m glad he’s been helping you. He was concerned since the night he found you by the garbage pails.”
Lena looked a little embarrassed, and Abigail wished she had thought that sentence through before she spoke it out loud.
“The summer months are a lot nicer to stay outdoors than the winters. I would have been fine wherever I settled for the night. I wouldn’t stay too far in those fields or woods. I don’t know anything about the wildlife around Texas.”
“Yeah, I figured as much with that accent of yours. It’s smart that you stayed out of the fields. We have a lot of poisonous snakes, spiders, and animals that venture out at night. We’ll see what we can do to help find you better sleeping arrangements.” Abigail gave Lena some privacy.
* * * *
Dr. Jones was shocked to finally meet the teenager behind the big, bulky hooded sweatshirt.
“Doc, meet Lena,” Abigail stated as Lena walked out of the back room accompanied by Abigail.
Lena was not a teenager at all. She was a gorgeous young woman. Her long, black hair was as dark and shiny as onyx. It had waves of curls that fell past her shoulders and nearly to the center of her back.
Lena's Happily Ever After [The Town of Pearl 3] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) Page 2