A Case of the Heart

by Beth Shriver

  Jimmy’s teacher, Ms Clement, hadn’t added any information to this point but added, “I’ve been informed of the foster care situation. But that’s all I’m aware of.”

  Liz asked Scotty’s teacher, Ms Smith, about the problems on the playground.

  “He was talking to a young man on the other side of the playground fence. The man appeared to be angry, and then I heard him yelling. That’s when I told Scotty to move away, but he wouldn’t listen. I kept telling him until he finally came over. I had to give him a detention because of that.”

  “When did this happen?”

  The teacher sat back and thought about it for a moment. “It’s happened a couple of times. The last time was just the other day.”

  “Do you have any idea who this guy is?”

  “No. I’ve seen him hanging around quite a bit, though.”

  Jimmy’s teacher nodded as well.

  “Could you give the police a description of him?”

  She hesitated and maneuvered herself to the edge of her chair. “I could try.”

  Liz called Alex to arrange for her to come down to the station to make a composite.

  “If you can think of anything further, please contact me.”

  As Liz left, she noticed the kids on the playground. She stopped and watched them play a game of tag and noticed a young man who looked a lot like Pirelli on the other side of the fence. He seemed to be waiting for someone. She walked closer to talk with him or at least get a better look, but as soon as he saw her he turned and started walking away.

  “Pirelli.”

  He stopped and turned around, and surprised Liz by approaching her. She went from the pursuer to being pursued. Liz held her ground and kept her feet planted and eyes fixed.

  “You’re the sosh that got me arrested the other night.” His frosty blue eyes looked down at her, chilling her to the bone.

  Liz hated the term sosh . Only lowlifes or egomaniacs called social workers that. “No, I was doing another investigation.” She tried her best to keep her voice from shaking by scowling at him. She would at least look the part even if she didn’t feel it.

  “Yeah, to take Carrie’s brothers away.” He was in her face now, staring at her with unblinking eyes.

  “Called me lately, Pirelli?” It was worth a shot.

  “Do I have a reason to?” His blond hair hung down in his face, slightly covering his clear, blue eyes.

  Liz was almost too embarrassed to call Alex. Almost, but she was tired of being intimidated, so she pulled out her cell phone and pushed send.

  He did an about-face. “You best stay away. You got nothing on me,” he yelled over his shoulder. He started walking faster and soon was into a jog. A shiny, black Navigator came roaring toward them, fast.

  Liz turned and started running. Her only chance was to get through an opening between the two metal chain link fences that led into the playground.

  The car tires hit the curb. Adrenaline pushed her into a level of speed she never knew she had. Liz flew through those two fences so fast she didn’t instantly feel the metal tear into her flesh as she whizzed by. Liz stopped and became aware that she was the brunt of his sick attempt to scare her.

  Pirelli stepped into the SUV and stuck his head out the window, laughing. “Tell Demas I’m looking for him.”

  The driver hit the gas and sped off with Pirelli mocking her as they drove away.

  Liz walked to her car, feeling the throb on her leg, and even worse, the sting of embarrassment that she let herself fall into Pirelli’s game.

  She pulled up her pant leg to take a look. A two-inch gash with jagged edges protruded the skin, blood flowed freely from the wound. She took some Kleenex tissues from the glove compartment and held them on the wound.

  Her hand shook from the adrenaline that still flowed through her, as she moved the tissues off the wound. The blood quickly soaked through the wad of tissue. She applied more tissues and pressure, and then sat in silence catching her breath. Her cell phone rang startling her. She gave a sigh of relief when she saw Alex’s name on the caller ID.

  “Did you just call?”

  Liz had forgotten that she made a call and must have disconnected sometime during the chase. “Yeah. You didn’t hold Pirelli?”

  “No. He has a record, but I didn’t have anything to charge him with the other night. Why are you breathing so hard?”

  She inhaled and exhaled slowly to try and steady her breathing. “I just ran into him at the Harris boys’ school.”

  “Are you okay?” His questioning tone sounded as if he knew there was more than she was telling.

  “Yeah. Pirelli told me to stay away from him. I think I will.” Her nerves started to settle and her body relaxed.

  “Okay, I want to know what your schedule is so I can keep tabs on you when I’m not on a call.”

  “You don’t need to do that.” Actually, she was glad to hear his suggestion. She just had too much pride to admit it.

  “I can’t believe you’re even trying to disagree with me about this.” He didn’t hide his agitation.

  “Okay, sorry. It’s probably a good idea.”

  He sighed. “Trust me, I’ll sleep much better. How about meeting me for something to eat? We can go over your agenda for the next couple of days.” It wasn’t a question.

  She needed to make a quick recovery and tried to think of someplace that would give her some time to stop sweating and bleeding. “I can be at Chicken Express in twenty minutes.”

  “You read my mind.” Despite worrying over her, he seemed to be in good spirits.

  She’d have to keep the light conversation because he wouldn’t like the cut on her leg, or more so, how she got it.

  She was almost to the red and white sign with the flying chicken when she noticed a cop behind her. She couldn’t see in the car but figured it was Alex so she ignored him, until she heard the siren. She pulled into the parking lot and got out of the car as Officer Dixon methodically pulled himself out of his car.

  He was the only cop she knew who was always completely decked out. Nightstick, flashlight, handcuffs, radio and every clip holder full, made him unlike most cops that would take only what they needed for each call. He adjusted his hat and tugged at a glove as he strolled over.

  Dixon thought her department took up too much of their time and paper work. Dark eyes turned down at the ends as he sarcastically smiled at her. “Well, if it isn’t one of the bleeding hearts.”

  He carefully took out a toothpick from some secret compartment in his belt, sticking it in his mouth.

  “Officer Dixon.”

  “You shouldn’t ignore a cop. That’s evading an officer. You could get a ticket for that. And you were speeding.” His toothpick appeared in the corner of his mouth followed by a slight curl of his lips. He took out his pad and pen.

  “I thought you were Demas, that’s why I ignored the siren.”

  He put pen to paper without answering.

  She pinched her eyebrows together and was about to say something she shouldn’t when the swift whine of another siren made her pause. Alex’s black and white entered the lot. He flew in next to her and killed the engine. He didn’t waste any time getting out of the car to join them.

  ****

  Alex walked over to them. “What’s going on?”

  Dixon discretely put away his pad and took off his hat to readjust it over his graying black hair. “Just making the rounds. You?”

  Dixon wasn’t one to back down, but Alex outranked him. “Just making the rounds.”

  Alex scrutinized Dixon for a moment and then moved his eyes to Liz. He was in no mood to put up with any nonsense from Dixon. Dixon must have gotten the vibe because of his unusual lack of banter.

  “You ready?” Alex held his hand out, inviting Liz to walk ahead of him. Alex gave Dixon a nod. Dixon returned the gesture.

  They walked in silence to the restaurant. As much as he tried to avoid it, Alex noticed the change in her gait. He looked d
own at her leg and stopped walking, letting her walk ahead. She stopped too and turned to face him.

  “What are you waiting for?”

  “For you to tell me why you’re limping.” He crossed his arms over his chest, his feet shoulder width apart, as he waited.

  She sighed and took a couple of steps to the curb by the restaurant and sat down. She pulled up her pant leg. The dried blood had crusted over the torn flesh making the wound look worse than it was. He sat down next to her and put his forearms on his knees, examining the cut. He reached down and touched it causing her to flinch.

  “It’s not so bad,” Liz said in a tranquil voice.

  The injury wasn’t bad, but that’s not what he was concerned about. It was how she got it he didn’t want to hear. “Looks deep. Did it take awhile to stop bleeding?”

  She nodded.

  “How did you get this cut?” He narrowed his eyes. “Something off the job would be a good answer.”

  She looked at the flying chicken sign, averting her eyes. “I was running.”

  He shuffled his boots against some small rocks on the pavement, looking down at them as he spoke, in what he hoped was a calm, steady tone. “Why were you running?”

  “I was running through a fence.”

  “Why?”

  “To get away from a truck.”

  Silence.

  He looked up at her. She might be on overload, but he had to get her to fess up.

  She stiffened her jaw. “A truck that Pirelli was in.” She got up and gimped inside.

  He followed behind her, rubbing the back of his neck, too bewildered to give her a reprimand. “I think I’m going to have to file a report on this,” he said more to himself than to her.

  Alex smiled staring at the familiar large flying chicken that hung from the ordering counter, and all of the employees wearing hats with the flying chicken emblem on them as well. The place replicated a fifties soda shop with the barstools and a jukebox playing an old Elvis tune.

  Liz found a booth, and Alex ordered for them. Food tray in hand, he slid into the booth across from her, staring at the mass of chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy before them.

  Liz reached for a drink, knocking over her Diet Coke. “Oh! I’m sorry.” She watched in stunned horror as the lid popped off and liquid ran across the table.

  Alex, quick to react, grabbed napkins and soaked up most of the soda before it reached the edge of the table. Then, he blotted a little that had dribbled off the corner, and set the cup upright.

  “Sorry, I’m still a little shook up. I’ll make it up to you with dinner tomorrow night instead.”

  He sat back, taking a breath. “No problem. I’m sorry you’ve had such a tough day.”

  “Everyone I’ve come across today has irritated me.” Her aggravation was interrupted momentarily as she wiped some soda off her jeans.

  Alex’s eyes dropped. “Are you including me in that broad brush?”

  She brought her hand to her eyes and shook her head. “No, not you.”

  Alex handed her a plate, taking his time to respond. “Dixon’s the only cop you don’t get along with...that nobody gets along with. Take that for what it’s worth and let it go. And we’ll deal with Pirelli.”

  She sighed. “That’s too simple. But it makes perfect sense.” She rolled her eyes.

  Alex chuckled. “What was that for?”

  “I don’t know why you put up with me.” Liz put a chicken leg to her mouth.

  Put up with her? He couldn’t get enough of her. “There’s nothing I enjoy more.”

  She grabbed his drink to choke down some chicken. “You enjoy my drama?”

  “I’m saying I enjoy being with you.” More than she knew, but he didn’t think she was quite ready for that admission.

  She didn’t answer, just looked at him. He watched her slowly find a lock of hair and start twisting it around her finger.

  As nervous as she seemed, he wouldn’t let it deter him from finding out how she really felt about him.

  An unidentifiable emotion flitted across her face as she smiled.

  He put a hand on hers.

  Her big brown eyes were set on his as if seeking some sort of assurance. She looked away and he wished he could tell her he wouldn’t hurt her. Was she in denial or just plain scared?

  “Liz, you’re safe with me.”

  From the suddenly relaxed set of her shoulders he hoped she knew he meant it.

  Chapter Twelve

  Leadership council for Liz’s Bible study started at eight a.m. sharp. She was doing well to get there before eight-thirty. She had missed the coffee and conversation so she jumped right into the discussion group.

  “Sorry I’m late,” Liz apologized as she took a seat next to Pam, the leader.

  “Morning, Liz. I was just asking the leaders how their groups were going.”

  “My group has come a long way. If you remember, I have such a diverse group of women it took awhile for everyone to come together, but I think we’ve finally gotten there.”

  “That’s good news. You were struggling there in the beginning. Anyone else?” Pam looked around the circle at the other leaders.

  Laura leaned forward in her chair and clasped her hands together. “One of the women in my group says curse words.” She cringed and lifted a brow. “I hoped she stop without having to address it but she hasn’t. Any thoughts?”

  There were a few mumbles and whispers throughout the room. One woman spoke up. “Have you asked her to stop?”

  “No.” Laura answered.

  Another asked, “Do you mean cussing like four letter words?”

  Laura nodded.

  Others talked amongst themselves. “I can’t believe she wouldn’t catch on.”

  “You’d think she’d get it.” Another woman shook her head.

  Pam held up a hand to stop the talk. “Let’s talk together, not amongst ourselves, lest this turn to gossip. Does she use the Lord’s name in vain, Laura?”

  Laura shook her head.

  “Well, that much is good.” Pam turned to Liz. They’d served on Leadership Council for many years and kept each other accountable to their faith. “Liz, do you have anything to add?”

  All eyes turned to Liz as she gathered her thoughts. “I’m thinking about what Christ would do. And I’m remembering the people he was with, three basic groups. One group was fishermen. I don’t know if any of you have seen the movie The Perfect Storm but those fishermen can cuss. And if you read the book there’s even more.”

  One woman nodded. Another joined her in agreement.

  “Another group was the prostitutes, so the cursing pretty much goes without saying. And then there were the tax collectors. They may have used a few more choice words but it’s all the same.”

  Most nodded and others waited, scrutinizing Liz’s words.

  “Then I thought about the fact that Jesus sought these people out. He knew their stuff and still wanted them with him. And I’m sure in time they quit cussing. Not because he told them to stop, but because he did what Christ always did. He led by example.”

  The room was quiet so Liz continued. “What do we know about this woman? Has she done other Bible studies? Did she grow up in the church?”

  Laura’s eyes misted. “She just got her first Bible for this study. And no, she’s never been to church. Her husband’s not a believer.” A tear fell and the women were still. “I haven’t been a good leader to her.”

  Liz felt Laura’s self-disappointment, and decided she wouldn’t let it go any further. “Laura, don’t let the evil one steal your joy. God put this woman in your group. It’s like Mordecai said to Esther. If you don’t take this opportunity that God has given to you, it will still be done. But someone else will be blessed for doing it.”

  Laura nodded slowly. “Yeah, I remember. Thanks, Liz.” She looked around the room. “All of you, thanks for your support.”

  They wrapped things up and went out to greet the other women who were alread
y seated for the lecture. Liz scanned the room and looked for Brenda. When she found her, she sat in the seat next to her and focused in on what was being said. They were reading Song of Solomon as this year’s selection, which Liz loved and hated at the same time. She loved the story but hated the lack of romance in her life.

  With her distinguished gray hair and lines etched into her worn face, the speaker shared wisdom that Liz could only reflect on.

  “You need to pour your heart out so you can work your life out.” She went on but that one sentence stuck out in Liz’s mind. It was so simple to say but hard to do. Especially now with so much changing in her life.

  As Brenda and Liz walked to their cars, Liz pointed out to her friend what the speaker said was similar to what Brenda said to her the other day.

  “You hold back, Liz. It would do you some good to talk with Alex about how you feel instead of being scared of getting hurt all the time.”

  “I know you’re right. My excuse of having an unhappy past relationship isn’t going to help me with a new one.” She looked into her friend’s warm eyes. “I think I may have disappointed Alex the other night. I’m just not sure I can trust him.”

  Brenda narrowed her eyes. “Has he ever done anything to you that caused you not to trust him?” She smiled knowingly.

  “Hmm.” Liz smiled back.

  ****

  The shrill sound of a phone ringing echoed throughout the hall as Liz walked to her office. She was hoping it wasn’t hers, but it was, concerning a court date for the Harris family. As soon as she hung up, it rang again. She could hear the police radio in the background. Alex must be at work already too.

  “We have court today.” Alex informed Liz.

  She opened her Day-Timer and glanced and the stack of paperwork on her desk. “Yeah, I just got the call. Hey, what was on Pirelli’s record?”

  “Vandalism, car theft, shop lifting and drugs.”

  She wasn’t surprised considering the Harris’s daughter had met him at Carl’s. They hung around together in packs, finding whatever mischief they could. Alex hadn’t brought up last night. For that matter, he hadn’t even said hello.

  “I might stop in at Carl’s if I’m not swamped with calls. If you want to go with me, I can let you know when I’ll be there.”