by Johnny Jacks
“No way, baby sister. What have you done besides confession to deal with the changes in yourself?”
“I took a hard look at the clients I was representing, talked to Father Flannery regularly, that type of thing. Along the way, I became pregnant and Marcie has been the best thing that ever happened to me. I adore spending time with her and less time on cases.”
“I’m happy for you and adore spending time with Marcie, as well. So now you’ve seen the light and become a Tea Party Republican.”
Shannon, temporarily relieved of her burden, giggled. “Have not.”
“Have too.”
Shannon rolled her eyes. “Abandoned my trust in the Democratic Party and our efforts to stop gun violence and fight for social justice? No way!”
“Seriously, Shannon. You’ve seen the explosion of Hispanic gangs and influx of Muslims that won’t assimilate in Houston and other parts of the country.”
“I know that Islam is a religion of peace and every time there’s a lone-wolf attack by some guy with a beard, the conservatives show their hate by blaming all Muslims.”
“Good Lord! Open your eyes. Islam is not a religion of peace.”
Jillian realized that, continuing the conversation would only end in a heated-argument. “Oh. Never mind. Let’s not go down that path. If having a child’s safety to consider caused you to look at the world from a different perspective, I’m glad.”
“It’s a crime, the unconscionable way conservatives treat migrants. Every human has a right to live wherever they want, anywhere on the planet.”
Jillian held her tongue and grabbed her purse. “Baby Sister, do you realize that you mentioned that detective more than once in the last twenty minutes?”
“Have not.”
“Have too. Love you.”
“Love you too, Sissy.”
~~~
After Jillian left, Shannon caught herself peeking through the kitchen window at Grayson working in his small backyard garden. Her desire for him delivered a stab of guilt. She was truly sorry for her indiscretion, but it was comforting to know a real man lived next door.
Why did you return to haunt me, Detective Dean?
Chapter 46
The Babysitter
Year 13
For the second time in her life, Shannon rang Grayson’s doorbell.
Having distanced himself from her for the past four years indicated that he was not there to inject himself into her life and cause trouble. As she waited for him to open the door, she wondered where he disappeared to on cue every month, and why he hadn’t moved away. Please don’t move away.
She jumped when the door opened. Grayson’s heart skipped a beat and he went on alert at the worry in her strained face. “What’s wrong?”
Her intense embarrassment and sense of urgency revealed themselves in her shaking and rushed speech. “I have an emergency meeting this evening with an important client. I absolutely can’t miss it. Jillian, my sister is, on a date and can’t get here in time. Would you mind watching Marcie until I get back?”
Grayson hesitated but he saw Marcie looking up at him with her beautiful grey-green eyes and his heart melted. He was tired of an empty house, the aching loneliness that hovered over the kids’ bedrooms. “Sure. I’d be glad to. Where’s Marcie’s father?”
“Out of town on business. I’ll be home by eight. I really apologize, but she hasn’t had dinner.”
“No problem. I haven’t eaten either. I’m more than happy to babysit Marcie this evening.”
Marcie, characteristically, balled her fists and put them on her hips. “I’m ten and I’m taller than the other kids in my class. I’m not a baby.”
Grayson chuckled. “I see her mother’s character is well rooted. Tough kid you have there, lady.”
He spoke to Marcie. “On the way to eat, we’ll talk about the meaning of the word babysit and the proper attitude children use to address adults. Be nice, and we’ll go to your favorite restaurant.”
“Chucky Cheese!”
Shannon relaxed and gave him an approving look, one that included a smile and nod that gave him permission to tutor Marcie on proper etiquette. “Thank you, Grayson. I’ll pick her up by eight.”
“Give Mom a hug and get in my truck. Be careful and put your foot solid on the running board to step up into the cab. It’s pretty high.” He took his keys out of his pocket and used the remote control to unlock the doors.
“Yes, sir.” Marcie hugged Shannon. “Love you, Mom.”
“Love you too, sweetie.”
Marcie shot down the steps and headed for his truck.
Shannon’s voice was uncomfortable and she was embarrassed to break Grayson’s no-contact rule. “Larry’s not very helpful even when he’s home. I hate to impose, but I’m in a bind.” Her tone betrayed a vulnerability Grayson remembered in Vegas. Perhaps her ugly Shannon disguise covered more than her physical identity.
“I’m glad to help. Now, relax and go take care of your emergency. She’ll be fine and, honestly, I look forward to her company.”
~~~
“Your truck is big! I can see down in the cars! I’ve never been in a truck before.”
“Be a good girl, and respectful, and I’ll let you ride with me lots of times.” I can hope.
“Yes, sir.”
“Showing respect for adults is a good start. Turn on the radio and let’s listen to some music.”
“My BFF, Melodie, thinks I’m crazy to like old country and western music. This is fun. My Aunt Jillian is always busy. Do you like pizza? You’re nicer to me than Daddy. He left town again, so he wouldn’t have to take care of me.”
Do not say one word. Not one word.
~~~
Grayson, half-asleep on the sofa, jumped at the sound of the loud chimes and ran to open the door. Shannon, obviously flustered, with dark circles under her drooping eyes, her shoulders sagging, began talking ninety-miles-an-hour. “I know it’s almost midnight, and I’m so sorry for being this late. I stupidly didn’t have your phone number. We need to exchange numbers. Where’s Marcie? I’ll take her home now.”
Grayson held up his hand. “Slow down. Everything’s fine. Walk softly and follow me.”
Grayson led her to a bedroom and eased the door open. Marcie was sound asleep in Amanda’s bed, wearing one of Grayson’s tee shirts for a gown and holding onto a big purple teddy bear.
He quietly closed the door. “You can sleep in Daniel’s bed if you want.”
Tension visibly left Shannon’s face. “I appreciate that and again apologize for being so late. I think I’ll take a shower and crash at home. I’ll return early in the morning with her school clothes and backpack.”
He walked her to the door and stood aside for her to leave. Shannon gave him a tight hug and he lost his breath. He eased his arms around her shoulders. When she slowly released him, he strained to let her go.
She patted his chest. “Thanks, neighbor.”
He stood on the porch and watched her sluggishly make her way home and lock herself safely inside. Confounded at the emotions surging through his body, his feelings of protectiveness overwhelmed him. Obviously, something was wrong next door, but it was up to Shannon to tell if she wanted him to know. She and Marcie had thrown tidbits of information his way, but the only thing he knew for sure was that he loved her, and he needed to stay away from her.
~~~
Marcie raced to open the front door. “I’m making blueberry pancakes, Mom!”
Still wearing Grayson’s tee shirt—pinned at the neck so it wouldn’t fall off and tied in a knot on the side of the bottom—she pulled Shannon to the breakfast nook.
“Good morning,” Grayson beamed. “The chef is preparing your pancakes, madam. Please take your seat, and I’ll serve your coffee.” He pointed to the purple teddy bear sitting in the chair next to Shannon. “This is Mr. Purber.”
Marcie giggled. “Get it, Mom? Purple bear. Mr. Purber. Bet you can’t guess which one of us named him.”<
br />
Shannon smiled at Grayson. “Pleased to meet you, Mr. Purber.”
Grayson added a heaping spoon of Sugar in the Raw and a tiny splash of cream to Shannon’s coffee, stirred and set it on the table in front of her. “Hmmm. Perfect.” Shannon looked down at the mug of coffee and back at him with her eyebrows raised.
“I have a good memory. So what?”
She shook her head and smiled. “Well, aren’t you two quite the pair of chefs.”
“Mom, we made popcorn in Grayson’s big machine and watched Alice in Wonderland on his great big tv after we got back from Chucky Cheese. We played games, and I won so much I earned Mr. Purber. Isn’t he cool? I’m going to put him in my bed. Grayson played every game with me. Can you believe that? I can see everything from way up in his truck. It was great.”
Shannon marveled at the difference in the subdued child that normally moped around her house but now bubbled with delight. Shannon beamed at Grayson. “Looks like you have a new fan.”
“I’m glad you had a good time, sweetie. Don’t forget to take Mr. Purber home.”
“Why?”
“You said you’re going to put Mr. Purber on your bed.”
“Yes, ma’am. My bed here.”
Shannon looked at Grayson, her emotions running wild.
“Thank you, Shannon, for loaning this beautiful child to me for the evening. She’s a joy to be with.”
Shannon turned off the logical side of her brain and took a calming sip of coffee. This man is back in my life. What have I done?
“The way things are going at the office, I need a full time bab…adult to watch Marcie. My schedule is erratic at best right now, but finding reliable, safe sit…adults is a challenge.”
Marcie focused her eyes on cooking pancakes but her ears were wide open. “Mom, you can say babysitter. Grayson explained how it’s an in…in…noc…u…ous term and how I want to be mature but act immature. That’s called irn—” She looked to Grayson.
“Irony.”
“Took me a while to get it, but I’m going to use those words at school today. Don’t you think that’ll surprise the teacher? Mom, did you know I’m self-centered? Well…I was, but now I focus outward and think of others first and that makes me happier.”
Marcie took Shannon a plate of pancakes with a side of bacon and gave her mom a hug, then skipped back to the stove to make more pancakes.
Shannon gave Grayson a thumbs-up while drowning her pancakes in maple syrup.
“It’s not like I haven’t had years of experience. Eat your breakfast and we can talk about it tonight. You two need to get to school and work and I have to report to work.”
Shannon looked surprised. “Where do you work?”
“It’s just part time at the gym.”
“Detective. Farmer. Trainer?”
“It keeps me in shape…you know, in case I have to carry you over my shoulder if the house catches on fire.”
Shannon shook her head and smiled as Grayson and Marcie laughed.
Grayson hadn’t felt so good in ages. “Tell you what; I’ll grill us some steaks tonight, and y’all can come over to eat while we talk.”
“You may tire of us quickly.” Is this cheating with Larry out of town? Do I care?
Marcie looked worried. “You won’t get tired of us, will you, Grayson?”
“I’d never get tired of you, sweetie.”
“Grayson, Marcie is supposed to refer to adults by their title and last name.”
“We’ll talk about it.”
“Yes. We will.” Shannon smiled at him. She knew she’d already lost that battle.
“Here’s a refill on your coffee, ma’am.”
“Just the way I like it. I’m amazed you remembered.”
“Remembered what?” Marcie asked, pouring pancake batter on the griddle.
Grayson spoke quickly. “Marcie, remember to sprinkle the blueberries in the batter while it’s still soft on top and keep your hands away from the stove top…and the griddle.”
“Yes, sir.”
Grayson had an immediate need to talk to Mark and Father O’Brian. Smart guy, you didn’t listen last time. Do you really want to spill your guts again?
Shannon’s demeanor clouded. “Let’s finish breakfast and get you dressed for school, sweetie. Your father will be home later tonight.”
“Daddy will get mad if he knows we had a good time while he was gone.”
“You may be right. Let’s keep it to ourselves.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
She didn’t like telling Marcie to keep secrets, but the girl was wise beyond her years. Still, she kept her eyes low, avoiding Grayson’s steady gaze, letting him make the decision.
“I just remembered the grill isn’t working. We’ll save that for another time.”
Chapter 47
Ambushed
Year 14
First light was over an hour away when Grayson placed his travel cup in its holder and connected Mark and Wayne in a three-way conversation on his cellphone. “Okay, guys, let’s initiate the SET Patriots annual activation training exercise. What are your first actions for phase one, Mark?”
“Initiate the Headquarters Division’s notification plan, reminding everyone to tune their ham radios to channel one, grab their bugout bags, and leave immediately for their assigned positions.”
“Good. And you, Wayne?”
“Initiate the Tactical Division’s notification plan, open the lodge, simulate installing one of the repeaters on the cell phone tower by placing it near the top of the BOL windmill, give the prepared briefing to the troops as they arrive at the lodge, and perform a 100% radio check with each member. Oh, and assign someone to the TOC to monitor the radio nets.”
“Good. Okay, guys, remember it’s a walk-through drill. Don’t overdo it. Make notes on what went right and where we experienced problems. I’ll see you at the BOL. Let’s do this. Grayson out.”
~~~
On the way to the BOL, Grayson mentally reviewed all of the topics he’d taught the group since they combined. It was all basic to him, but the troops thoroughly enjoyed the adventure his training brought them. They commended him on his realistic classes and practical exercises. The neighbors did a great job as desperate refugees, almost overwhelming the guards and bringing to light the need to reinforce blockades to avenues of approach. They were coming together as an effective guerrilla band.
Getting close to the farm, Grayson was pleased to see the SET Patriots had moved into action. Small colored ribbons tied inconspicuously to tree limbs at what would be roadblocks during the die-off were in place. The militiamen had camouflaged themselves with tree bark uniforms, dark and light camouflage face paint, and vegetation to hide their presence inside the woods. It was important to train as realistically as possible, but they obviously couldn’t block actual traffic without irritating the public and the sheriff.
Laura was the only Tactical Division militiaman in the TOC. Grayson dropped his bugout bag, rifle, and tactical vest. “Good to see you, Laura. What brings you to the TOC?”
She flashed a smile. “Silly boy, you ordered an activation exercise.” Her voice, soft and silky, stirred him, but he didn’t bite.
“It’s been months since I’ve seen you. How’ve you been? How’s Austin?” Slow down. You sound like a kid who knows he’s in trouble.
He couldn’t help but notice her tight camo outfit, exposing her trim figure. With her 1911 Colt strapped to her thigh, she presented a stimulating vision that would stir any man’s loins. I must be a fool to avoid this woman.
Maintaining eye-to-eye contact, she sauntered over and gave him a tight hug. The feel of her firm, ample breasts pressed hard against his chest took his breath. She’d ambushed him, but it felt too good not to respond. He closed his eyes and immersed himself in her. Let her go now. Don’t get drawn in. Friends, we’re just friends.
Laura unclenched and gave him a backside view as she went to the desk.
“Austi
n and I are great. It’s good to see you, too. Between tactical training exercises in the field and sick patients who kept me from attending meetups, it has been awhile. I’ve missed you. What have you been up to and how are Daniel and his family?”
He moved to his BOB and jacket and pretended to be searching for something, then fiddled with the coffee pot. He needed to recover. Laura’s little reminder of what he was avoiding left its mark.
“I’ve missed you, too. Danny and family are doing well. I spend most of my time researching the Quran, studying Arabic, and renovating my house.”
Wayne entered the TOC just in time to hear his last statement. “Need a good carpenter?” The men shook hands and engaged in small talk.
Laura clapped her hands to get their attention. “Hey, guys, we have an exercise to run! Let’s get with it.”
“Good idea, Sis. I came in to report that all of the roadblocks and guards are in place. The civilian auxiliary squad is passing out information sheets and notifying neighbors who volunteered to participate. As soon as Headquarters Division reports in, we’ll send security patrols to the wooded areas.”
“You’re doing a great job, Wayne, as good as any militia leaders I’ve ever known.”
“That means a lot coming from you. The little military training I received in high school ROTC but mostly the guidance you provided has helped tremendously. Okay, I’m off to do my rounds and check on the troops. Oh, Sis. Just a heads up, Marvin told me he has the tickets to the Cowboys game and…be ready for that big date next week. Thanks for volunteering to monitor the TOC radios.” Wayne rushed out when he realized his screw-up. He’d seen Grayson’s head snap toward Laura and her face flush.
Laura hurriedly began making radio checks in the silent room.
Let it go, man. You have no right to ask her anything. She volunteered to be the radio operator. The lady does not give up easily.