“It’s too long of a ride back to my house,” Reid said, thinking it over.
“Wait,” Olly interrupted, putting one hand up to his ear to hear the information better. “They don’t have Millicent Olden in custody. She was not with the child. There’s no sign of her.”
“She couldn’t have gotten far,” Reid challenged, clearly trying to remove the worry from Tara’s heavy heart.
“It’s not clear. The boy was found asleep in a crib at a property they recently purchased. It’s about an hour’s drive from here. There’s an alarm system, and it was logged as being set over two hours ago. She could have gotten a good distance away in that time.”
“What do we do? She’s obviously unbalanced.” Tara paced around, moving closer to Olly who was still distracted by more information coming in. “She’ll never leave us alone.”
“Apparently that’s not our only problem,” he said through a heavy sigh.
“Wylie,” Tara gasped. “Is he all right?”
“The boy’s fine,” Olly assured. “He’s already en route. But your friend Willow has dug up some more information on the church. And the detectives we have with Yule say he’s corroborating the details. This is deep conspiracy stuff here. Multiple members of the church were involved in this. My first impression is it’s more of a cult, smart enough to parade around as a church. Until we round everyone up I don’t know if you and your son are safe. I’m going to get the Marshals involved, and discuss some kind of witness protection.”
“No,” Reid argued. “I can keep her safe. No one is going to get anywhere near them.”
“Trust me, you don’t want that on your conscience, brother. Let us help.” Olly walked away, pulling out his phone and getting down to business.
“What does he mean, Reid? Wylie and I have to go?”
“Maybe for a little while,” he said apologetically. “Just until they know it’s safe to come back.”
“I can’t,” she said, digging her nails into his bicep. “We’ve been on our own for so long, we can’t just go back into that isolation. Or a worse version of it where we are stuck somewhere we’ve never been. I was counting on having you.”
“We’ll figure it out,” Reid promised. “Let’s just get Wylie here first.”
“Wylie,” Tara said, here heart swelling with joy. “I’m never going to let him go again.”
“He’s a lucky boy.”
“I know; there were so many things that could have happened,” she said, closing her eyes and imagining in horror how different all of this could have turned out.
“No. That’s not what I mean.” Reid smirked. “He’s a lucky boy to have a mom like you. Not for one second did you stop fighting for him. You were drugged, cut, kidnapped, and still you got him back. That’s what I’ve always loved about you, Tara. You always knew how to fight, to stay above water.”
“I’m ready for a break.” She grimaced, finally looking like she was admitting defeat.
“I can’t promise you a break,” he said, running his thumb across her bandaged cheek down to her chin. “But I can promise you a partner.”
He kissed her like there was no one else in the room. It was a gentle yet passionate overtaking of her lips that pushed, just for a moment, the chaotic scene away.
“I love you, Reid,” she whispered as they pulled away. “I don’t know what that means right now for us. I don’t know what’s about to happen, but you deserve to know you are loved.”
“You do too,” he said, kissing her again. “And I am going to be around to remind you. Maybe we’ve got a few more things to sort out, but me loving you won’t change.”
“How can you be sure?”
“Because it started when I was nine, and it’s never changed. I just didn’t get the chance to tell you.”
Chapter 35
The bell over the door of the small family restaurant jingled, and Tara felt some of her nerves melt away. It was warm and welcoming, and she instantly felt a bit of peace. Wylie had fallen asleep on the ride from the airport and was still drooling onto her shoulder as she shifted his weight. He was getting too heavy to carry around like this, but Tara didn’t complain. Any time he was in her arms was a good thing.
“Hi there,” a thin woman with brown and gray streaked hair said as she tossed a dishrag over her shoulder and tucked a pencil behind her ear. “Welcome to the Wise Owl. Can I get you a table?”
“I’m here to see Betty,” she whispered, but then cleared her throat and tried again with a little more confidence. The cast was still on her arm. The stitches still in her cheek. “Sorry, I’m supposed to meet a woman named Betty.”
“Well, that’s me,” Betty sang out, moving right toward them and patting Wylie gently on the back. “He’s out cold, isn’t he? Looks pretty heavy. Would you like to lay him down?”
“Here?” Tara asked, feeling both bad for intruding and unsure where Wylie could finish his nap.
“I’ve got an office right upstairs. There’s a small apartment up there too. He could sleep while you and I talk. What’s your name, dear?” Betty blinked her warm brown eyes that wrinkled more around the edges as her smile grew.
“Tara,” she said, back to a whisper now. “I’m sorry if no one told you I was coming. I thought maybe Willow had arranged something. I don’t want to be in the way.”
“I don’t think Willow wanted anyone to know you were coming. She sent me a quick message saying to be on the lookout for friends of hers.”
“That was all?” Tara asked, having hoped there would be more in Edenville, North Carolina for her to depend on than just a woman who didn’t know her name.
“That’s all she needed to say. Any friend of Willow’s is a friend of mine. You are welcome here. You are safe here,” she added, lowering her rich velvety voice to a whisper. “Well, not safe from everything,” she corrected, her face falling serious.
“No?” Tara asked, looking nervous.
“I can’t protect you from the ten pounds you will gain from living upstairs from this restaurant. I cannot protect you from my grandchildren who will treat your son here like their own personal baby doll. My daughter and daughter-in-law cannot be controlled when it comes to butting in on your life and being completely overbearing in their attempt to make you feel welcome. I’m a strong woman, but you are on your own for those things.”
“I can stay in the apartment upstairs?” Tara asked as they moved toward the back of the restaurant, savory smells filling her nose.
“Come on up, I’ll show you around. You might not be too excited once you see it. It’s small, gets a bit hot in the summertime. Always smells like chicken or pie, depending on the time of day.”
“All of that sounds wonderful,” Tara whispered, adjusting Wylie’s weight to one arm so she could wipe some stray tears away with the other hand. “I’m so grateful for the help. I didn’t realize Willow hadn’t told you who I was or why I’m here. Just so you know, I’m not a criminal or anything. I won’t cause you any trouble.”
“Honey,” Betty sang, pulling Wylie gently out of her arms and tucking him into the bed at the back of the upstairs apartment. When he was comfortably curled on the four poster bed, Betty pushed back his sweaty hair and smiled. “Willow wouldn’t send anyone down here she didn’t think we could handle.”
“She had lovely things to say about you,” Tara chimed in, now feeling out of place. “You helped her a lot over the years.”
“That’s how you build your army,” Betty laughed, showing Tara to the small kitchen where she filled the tea kettle and pulled two mugs down from a cabinet.
“Army?” Tara asked, taking the chair Betty had gestured toward.
“Yes. You see I pride myself on helping anyone and everyone I can. I will give you what I have to give, and I will protect you. I will slap you upside your head when you are being a fool. It’s my job, and I take it very seriously.”
“She mentioned that, too,” Tara chuckled, finally smiling.
�
��But I am one woman. The world is a big broken place, and I can’t help everyone. Some days that reality is crushing. So I create other soldiers. Willow is one of them. She probably still thinks we are nothing alike, but she would be wrong there. Our tactics are different.”
“You don’t have a switchblade?” Tara teased, a natural ease finally coming over her.
“I prefer a shotgun. Never have to use it really, but it’s the kind of thing you only have to pull out once to make your point.”
They both laughed as Betty poured the tea and offered her a scoop of sugar. She nodded her thanks and glanced over at Wylie who was snoring peacefully.
“I send these little soldiers out into the world and hope they are doing all they can too. Then every now and again I get a sign that they are. You and your boy are a good sign.”
“Willow saved my life,” Tara said, sipping on the ginger tea and taking in all the charm of the tiny apartment. “I’ll never be able to thank her properly. Or you. You can’t imagine how this will help us. I won’t overstay my welcome.”
“Everybody needs a little help from time to time. I’ve sure received plenty of it over the years.”
“Is there something here I can do? I’ve waitressed before. Any job openings downstairs? I’d have to find a place for Wylie, some childcare, but once I do I’ll be glad to do my share. I want to work.”
“My daughter, Jules, would be glad to keep him during your shifts if you want afternoons and evenings. She’s got a little boy, Ian, who’s always looking for a playmate after school. Some days it’s easier to have two little ones rather than just the one. It’ll give her a break from playing Legos and cards all afternoon.”
“I’d be so grateful,” Tara beamed. “Why would you do this for me? All of you, why would you help me without really even knowing why I’m here or what I’ve done? You don’t owe me anything. Willow and I met not that long ago. It’s not like we’re old friends.”
“We do have an agenda,” Betty admitted, hiding her smile behind her teacup. “We’re always recruiting for our army.”
“I’m not sure I’m what you’re looking for,” Tara said, hanging her head. “I’m not like you or Willow. I’m barely breathing at this point. Barely getting one foot in front of the other.”
“I’ve found that’s usually the best type of person to be,” Betty assured Tara, patting her leg. “There’s something humbling about having nothing, just surviving. I think it’s because you never forget the feeling, and you recognize it in other people. Don’t sell yourself short.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Tara gave in, though she wasn’t feeling her plight was anything special yet. “I’ll do my best.”
“So, what type of girl are you?” Betty asked, the look on her face shifting to a light, playful expression.
“Excuse me?” Tara asked, unsure how to answer.
“Are you stubborn and moody like Willow was when I first met her? Do I have to hear your story in little pieces and weave it together on my own? Are you going to keep your secrets buried until they inevitably unearth themselves when you least expect it? Or are you just going to sit here and gab with me while gushing about all the things that brought you to Edenville? I like to know how much work I have ahead of me.”
Tara laughed, closing her eyes and breathing in the sweet smell of her tea. “I’m an open book,” Tara sighed. “I don’t see the point in secrets. All they do is keep people away, and I need people right now. I can’t do this alone anymore.” She gestured with her broken arm over at Wylie. “I can’t fight as hard anymore. It took me a while to see it. I didn’t make it easy, but I know now, I need people.”
“Hot damn,” Betty hooted. “Then Willow really did some good work up there. You’ll be one of the easy ones.”
“Am I really one of many?” Tara asked doubtfully, pressing Betty with a serious look.
“You have no idea, child,” Betty laughed, then quieted as Wylie stirred some. “Let’s just say this apartment doesn’t spend very much time empty. And we like it that way.”
“Don’t you ever get sick of helping people?” Tara asked, cocking her head to the side and analyzing Betty’s face, which was covered with laugh lines that she’d obviously worked hard for.
“Sometimes I do,” Betty said, sounding like she was admitting it to herself. “But I know how to fix it when it happens.”
“How’s that?” Tara asked, feeling like she was about to be given the answer to the meaning of life.
“Pie,” Betty said simply. “Pie fixes everything.”
Chapter 36
“White, wheat, or rye?” Tara asked the familiar older couple who always left her a generous tip. As they finished their order she flashed them a smile and took the order to the kitchen.
“How are the Robinson’s doing this evening?” Clay asked as he took the slip and began preparing their meal.
“Very well,” Tara explained. “Their cat Mittsy is doing so much better. They are out tonight to celebrate.” She let a little smile creep across her face.
“Not quite used to the small town pace yet, are you?” Clay shot her a knowing look. He and Betty were the perfect couple, running the restaurant and leading their large family through life. She couldn’t believe that such people really existed. Their kindness and patience were boundless. Or so it seemed. She didn’t intend to find out where it would end. Hopefully she wouldn’t be imposing on them for too much longer. But news wasn’t coming from Boston lately.
It had been completely quiet from Willow, Josh, and Reid for the last two months. That had given her plenty of time to settle in Edenville but also lots of time to worry. The lack of communication was calculated. Keeping Tara and Wylie tucked safely away in North Carolina while the depth of the conspiracy was unearthed meant she had to stay mostly in the dark. She had a sneaking suspicion Betty and her son-in-law, Michael the lawyer, knew far more than they let on. But they deserved to be kept in the loop with all they were doing for her.
She and Wylie were now a part of Wednesday night dinners with Betty’s family. Just as she’d warned, both she and Wylie had gained some weight, eating a litany of scrumptious foods as frequently as they liked. Life down here was good, and the support she’d always claimed she didn’t need seemed to have come just in time. There was always a sitter for Wylie when she needed one. The women in Betty’s family, Piper and Jules, were overbearingly welcoming in a perfect kind of way, and she found herself frequently commiserating and asking advice from the knowledgeable mothers. Bearing wine and old black and white movies, they’d show up as the restaurant closed and stay for a girls’ night, turning the television from the upstairs office into their own personal movie theater.
But Tara missed Reid. She missed how they spent nights together before she left for Edenville. The way his skin felt against hers. The look in his eyes when he didn’t have to crash on the floor anymore and he could hold her until the sun came up. But it was short-lived. Ripped away again by circumstance.
“Betty just called,” Clay said as he rang the bell to indicate the plates were ready to be delivered to the Robinson’s table. “After you drop these off have Sarah take over your tables and head over to the house.”
“Is everything all right with Wylie?” Tara asked, always nervous when anything changed unexpectedly. “Is he sick?”
“I heard him laughing in the background. Everything sounded fine to me. She said she had something for you, and you know how impatient she is. She’d never make it the last two hours of your shift.” Clay waved her off and told her again that it was fine.
Piper’s husband, Bobby, had found Tara a car she could use while she was there. It was nothing fancy, a four-door little red thing with a very high-tech car seat for Wylie. Bobby installed it himself, and every time she clipped Wylie in, she wanted to thank him again. She practically did, until he begged her to stop.
Driving down the dark roads toward Betty’s house was becoming a habit now. Wylie was there more often than not, an
d the way he’d been folded into the family was enough to bring tears to Tara’s eyes. It had escaped Tara before that her own lack of friends had made Wylie a byproduct of that. He didn’t have anyone to play with either. No one but her to run to when he was hurt or afraid. All of a sudden there were a dozen people treating him like he was a part of something wonderful.
None of the usual cars were in the driveway when she pulled in, and her heart began to race in that fluttery way that sometimes meant she might pass out. She’d seen a cardiologist twice since she’d been in Edenville and her prognosis was good, but worry always seemed to take its toll.
No one was on the porch, which was strange, considering how much traffic the wooden planks got every day. Kids were usually sitting outside doing homework or the adults were stoking a fire. The light was on over the screen door and the kitchen windows were glowing warmly. But she didn’t see anyone.
Tentatively making her way toward the door, she listened. There were voices and laughter, Wylie’s excited cheers for more pie. It was still so surreal to Tara that she’d been plucked from the abyss and placed on this porch.
“Hello?” she asked, almost knocking before remembering how much Betty scolded her last time for not just letting herself in.
“She’s here!” Betty chirped, practically yanking Tara into the house and straight into a hug. “You’ve got company.”
Allowing herself to be tugged toward the sitting room, Tara braced herself for the surprise. Wylie scampered out of the room first, his arms stretched high as he called up to her.
“Baby, I missed you today,” she said, smothering him with kisses.
Before she could get another word out, she gasped. Sitting on the couch with enormous grins were Josh, Willow, and Reid. “What are you doing here?” she asked, breaking instantly into tears as they shot to their feet and demanded hugs. Josh pulled her and Wylie in first. Then Willow, who after their hug took Wylie into her arms so that Reid could, for a brief moment, have all of her. And he did, folding her tightly beneath his warm arms. He held her as she cried and asked more unintelligible questions.
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