Look-Alike Lawman

by Glynna Kaye

  “I’m sorry, Elise.”

  “So don’t you see?” She stared into his eyes. “I can’t go through that again. I can’t lose you, too.”

  He drew her to him, murmuring soothing words against her hair. She closed her eyes and burrowed into him, shutting out the too-vivid memories of that night. The hospital sounds and smells. The hushed voices. Would she never stop thinking of it? Dreaming about it?

  “I understand. I won’t rush you. Won’t pressure. I know I’m asking a lot of you to give yourself to another lawman.” He drew back to cup her face in his hand, his eyes tender. “But with all my heart I believe God has a good plan for us. I’ll do whatever it takes. Wait as long as you need to work through this. I’ll help you in any way I can.”

  “I can’t make any promises, Grayson. Not yet.”

  Maybe not ever.

  “I don’t expect you to. But the Good Book says there are seasons in life. A time to weep and a time to laugh. A time to mourn and one in which to dance. You’re coming into your time—our time—to laugh and dance, Elise.”

  * * *

  The next two days were like a dream. Grayson came by the apartment after work each evening. Ate with them and played with Cory. After tucking her son in for the night, they stayed up for hours talking about their pasts. Their families. Values. Beliefs. Anything that came to mind.

  Grayson told her about him and his siblings receiving Bibles and the same puzzling, anonymous notes. About the painful possibility that his dad might not be his biological father. How although he was loath to resort to DNA testing behind his father’s back, wouldn’t definitive proof of his true paternity explain so much?

  She encouraged him to write down his feelings in the form of letters or emails—either to send to his dad once he was found or just to get the confusion and anger out of his system. She then explained how her parents cautioned her not to marry Duke right out of high school. How, concerned that she’d become too dependent on Duke, they’d advised her to complete her education first. But she hadn’t listened, which made it all the harder to face them and admit Duke’s gambling addiction.

  To her amazement, during those Grayson-filled hours of laughter, tears and sharing from the heart, Elise’s fears became less pronounced. Not faded away entirely—she wasn’t that naive. But it gave her courage that with God’s help—and Grayson’s support—building a life with another police officer might not be out of the question. She’d never felt safer with anyone in her entire life. She just needed more time to be sure she wasn’t promising something to Grayson she couldn’t give him.

  “I’m going to Grasslands this weekend,” Grayson announced over the phone early Wednesday evening. “Didn’t you say Cory gets Friday off due to something in the school’s schedule? Take the day off, too. Come with me.”

  She cringed. Cory endlessly begged to see the ranch. “Don’t feel obligated to make this happen for him right now.”

  “It will be fun for all of us. Like I’ve told you, Grasslands is the best of what small towns have to offer.” She could hear the smile in his voice. “Antiques shops, a country-cookin’ restaurant, and my sister Violet runs a great produce market. There’s lots for kids to do, too. And you’ll love the little church.”

  “It does sound wonderful.” How she’d love to escape the city rush. Go for a walk under the stars. “But this is a difficult time for your family. They don’t need a stranger and her kid invading their space.”

  “You won’t even be a blip on the radar. Jack, Violet and Maddie will have their significant others there and they’re all just getting to know each other. Maddie’s soon-to-be stepdaughter will make a perfect playmate for Cory. Come on. I bet the two of us could even find ourselves a private place for a little more kissing.”

  “Gray!” She laughed at his confident approach to their relationship. But how would he explain their in-limbo situation to his family? Although she was rapidly warming to a future with Grayson, would his family’s assumption that something serious was in the works pressure them? “You make it sound so tempting, but I think we’d better wait. Maybe next time.”

  “I’m leaving first thing Friday morning. Let me know if you change your mind.”

  True to his promise not to pressure her, he didn’t insist they accompany him. Said he’d check in tomorrow. But two seconds after saying goodbye, the phone rang again and she took the call without checking caller ID.

  “No, I haven’t changed my mind!” she teased, a giggle in her voice.

  “And what would you be refusing to change your mind about, hon?” Billie Jean’s distinctive drawl brought visions of the too-handsome Grayson to a screeching halt.

  She laughed. “Oh. Sorry. I thought you were someone else.”

  “You didn’t turn down a proposal from that good-lookin’ Boy Scout of yours, did you?”

  “No. Just a weekend at his family’s ranch.”

  “Why’d you turn him down?” From the tone of her friend’s voice, she obviously thought that was a stupid move. “He doesn’t strike me as the type to bring women home to the family on a casual whim.”

  “That’s just it. If I show up with him, won’t his family assume there’s something going on between us?”

  “Remind me again where the flaw is in that picture?”

  “It would be awkward any way you look at it.” Billie Jean didn’t know the story of Gray’s family, and Elise wasn’t at liberty to share it with her. “I’m not comfortable with imposing on his family, taking advantage of their hospitality.”

  “Girl, a romantic weekend in the country with Mr. Law Enforcement is exactly what you need right now. If he hasn’t kissed you yet, it would be a grand opportunity to make your move. But he has already—hasn’t he?”

  “What kind of question is that?”

  Billie Jean laughed. “I suspected as much. Thought he seemed like a man of action. I suppose he’s a good kisser, too.”

  “Billie Jean!”

  “Figured he would be. Why don’t you relax and see where this leads? Why are you always fightin’ the good Lord when he’s trying to do his best to take care of you?”

  Is that what she was doing? Fighting against God—not just Grayson and her fears? But she wasn’t up to getting into this tonight with Billie Jean. “I assume you called to do more than get on my case.”

  “I wanted you to know Roy and I are fixin’ to go down to Kaufman County this weekend to visit his cousin. I won’t keep you any longer—I imagine you’re expecting Grayson any minute.”

  “Actually, he’s doing volunteer work at a men’s shelter this evening.” He was always thinking of others. Reaching out a helping hand to those in need, even outside police work.

  “So what are you doing tonight?”

  “I have a paper for an online class to research and need to study for a test. I promised a veggie tray for the office potluck, too. Plus I need to clean up around here. Do laundry.”

  “You’re gonna have to slow down someday, Elise. And when you finally do, you don’t want to be looking behind you and seeing all the stuff you missed. Stuff God was standin’ there holding out to you but you were too stubborn to accept.”

  When the call ended, Elise headed to the utility room to start the laundry. Was God trying to answer her prayers, trying to fill the lonely hours since Duke’s passing? Was He attempting to find her a home and a man she could respect and love—one who would love and respect her, too?

  With a silent prayer, she hurried to her phone. Hit a speed dial number. Held her breath.

  “Wallace,” the familiar voice responded.

  “It’s me, Elise. About your invitation...”

  * * *

  Grayson’s heart pounded with anticipation Thursday evening as he pulled the duffel and clothes bag out of the closet. Elise and Cory would be going
to Grasslands with him tomorrow. It would be over five sweet hours in Elise’s company. A little longer if they not only stopped for lunch but for coffee or ice cream as well—which he’d make sure they did.

  He smiled to himself. He’d talk his sisters into keeping Cory occupied so he could sneak in a stroll around the ranch with Elise. Show her that little house he’d spotted in town. And who knows—maybe they could find an out-of-they-way place to do some snuggling.

  He chuckled. Yeah, he was putting all his eggs in one basket with this trip. But getting Elise away from the stresses of her everyday world might work in his favor. It would give her the opportunity to see him interacting with his siblings. Let her see he wasn’t “all cop.” He could count on Maddie to put in a good word on his behalf. Violet would, too. Maybe even Jack. With the whole gang on his side, how could he go wrong?

  His cell phone signaled an incoming call.

  “Officer Wallace, this is Deputy Sheriff Nolan Campton.”

  Gray drew in a breath. The deputy was one of many in South Texas he’d spoken with in recent weeks. “Have you found Brian Wallace?”

  “No, sir, I regret to say that we haven’t. But someone turned in his wallet yesterday. They’d found it in a ditch somewhere out in the county.”

  “Somewhere?” That sounded mighty vague.

  “A volunteer team was picking up trash on a long, barren stretch of road a week or two ago. One of them found the wallet, but wasn’t in town to turn it in until yesterday afternoon.”

  “Cash and credit cards intact?”

  “No cash. But credit cards and IDs.”

  “The absence of cash doesn’t mean he was robbed.” He wouldn’t let himself dwell on that possibility.

  “No, sir. He might not have had any or someone could have found the wallet before the roadside team discovered it. Helped himself to the cash.”

  “Right. Or his wallet may have been found fifty miles away and tossed out the window of a speeding car once divested of anything deemed valuable. Not everyone’s willing to risk credit card fraud or identity theft.”

  The deputy grunted his agreement. “We did send one of our men out that way. He talked to folks who live in the vicinity, but none had spoken with or seen anyone fitting the description of Brian Wallace.”

  “The area’s sparsely populated, isn’t it? A stranger would likely be noticed.”

  “Correct.”

  “No sign of his vehicle?”

  “No, sir. I’m sorry, but we’ll keep you posted.”

  As he shut off the phone, he sent a plea heavenward. His dad was sick. Possibly extremely sick. Had no cell phone. No cash. No credit cards. No ID.

  Why hadn’t he at least gotten himself to a phone to call him or Maddie? Asked someone to call for him? Was he that bad off? While nonsinister explanations could be derived for the wallet being found where it was, it didn’t bode well for the possible state of his father’s mental or physical health.

  Or did it confirm Brian Wallace had put the past behind him, determined to slip away to a less-complicated future?

  He’d just have to start calling around area hospitals and clinics again. Touch base with those he’d spoken to earlier. Probe deeper. Since his dad didn’t have ID with him, that complicated things. But at least no bodies in need of positive identification had been reported. Yet.

  He pressed Jack’s speed dial number, then cut it off before it rang. No point in delivering the disturbing news over the phone. He’d be there by tomorrow afternoon and could share what he knew then. Looked like the trip wouldn’t be quite the romantic respite he’d hoped for. Nevertheless, he’d do his best to see Elise and Cory had a good time.

  But where was Brian Wallace?

  Chapter Sixteen

  “Is this everything?”

  Grayson’s voice echoed in the shadowed, underground parking of the high-rise apartment building Friday morning.

  Elise nodded as he effortlessly lifted what she knew was a too-heavy suitcase to the back of his SUV. They’d only be gone a few days, but she intended to be prepared.

  “Yes, that’s it.”

  After rearranging the luggage, he shut the rear hatch. “Then let’s get moving. We’re burning daylight.”

  Was it her imagination or was Grayson on edge this morning? He seemed all-business, anxious to get to his family’s home. Or was he nervous about bringing her and Cory along? Maybe he was having second thoughts.

  He opened the front-passenger-side door for Elise. Then helped Cory into the back and shut the door just as his cell phone rang.

  Impatiently checking the caller ID, he stepped a short distance from the vehicle, shooting her an apologetic glance.

  “Hey, Cameron. What’s up?” A pause. “Yeah, I’m taking the day off. Family business.”

  Another pause. He laughed. “No foolin’? Glad they’re pleased. Maybe they’ll poke a little something extra in my next paycheck.”

  Elise tried not to eavesdrop, but couldn’t help herself with the window rolled down and him standing not a dozen feet from her.

  “What? Yeah, that’s good news, all right.” He chuckled, seemingly pleased. “We made a successful bust that looks like it’s headed for a conviction, but sometimes you wonder. Didn’t get much more than a pat on the back the time I talked that guy into putting down the gun and letting his girlfriend go. What?”

  A long silence ensued as he listened intently to the caller. The light in his eyes dimmed and a guarded gaze flickered in Elise’s direction. “No, I hadn’t heard that. When did it happen?”

  A cold finger traced down her spine as she strained to hear his next words.

  “Domestic violence calls are the worst, especially if there’s alcohol or drug abuse involved. You never know if the one who placed the call will turn on you. No, that doesn’t sound good.”

  Her throat tightened. A police officer injured.

  “How’s Sylvia holding up? Man, I hope he pulls through. He told me Sunday afternoon they’re trying to start a family.”

  A wave of nausea roiled through Elise’s stomach. One of the men she’d met at Gray’s. One of the men who’d been so nice to Cory. Please, God, please don’t let him die. Please.

  “Well, he’s a fighter. Keep me posted, will you? Yeah, you, too.”

  Gray sucked in a ragged breath as he pocketed his phone. He didn’t look at her, but came around the front of the SUV, jaw hard as he settled into the driver’s seat.

  “What happened?”

  He met her gaze with a bleak one of his own, then glanced in the rearview mirror at Cory who was listening to a kid’s book downloaded to Gray’s iPod. He kept his voice low. “Officer responding to a domestic disturbance a few hours ago. Scott. You met him and Sylvia on Sunday.”

  Her memory flashed to a lanky redhead with a winning sense of humor and a brunette who gazed at him just short of adoration. “It’s bad, isn’t it?”

  He nodded. “Yeah. Real bad.”

  He adjusted his side mirror, then shoved the key into the ignition.

  Her hand stayed him.

  “Gray.” She could barely choke out the words. “I’m sorry, but it’s not a good idea for Cory and me to join you this weekend.”

  His brows lowered. “Why not?”

  “You and me. It’s...not going to work.” She reached for the door handle with icy fingers. “Hop on out, Cory.”

  “Now hang on a minute, Elise.”

  Gray reached for her, but she pulled away. Got out. Slammed the door behind her. He was out his door and by her side before she could get the back door open. He clasped her arm and turned her toward him.

  Shaking inside, she stared at him. “I can’t go through this. I just can’t. Not again.”

  “We talked about this, remember? Came to a
n understanding. The seasons thing.”

  “Your season will always be law enforcement. You should have seen your face when you got the first half of that call that your superiors are pleased with you. You love police work.” Couldn’t he see the truth? She could never take that away from him. “You’d never be happy doing anything else—and I can never be happy knowing you’re on the streets with people who want to kill you.”

  She motioned toward the SUV and raised her voice. “Come on, Cory, let’s go.”

  “Stay put, Cory,” he countermanded.

  She frowned when her son obeyed Gray over her. “Would you please get our luggage?”

  “Elise—”

  “I can’t tell you how sorry I am. But please, Grayson, don’t fight me on this.”

  His voice hardened. “You’re going to disappoint that little boy. He can hardly wait to see the ranch. If you don’t want to come, let me take him.”

  “By himself?”

  “You know he’s safe with me. Please don’t make it look like I made a promise I’m not keeping.”

  Why did he have to put her in this position, reminding her of that other little boy who haunted him? “You have family things to attend to. He’d be in the way.”

  “He wouldn’t. But if you won’t do it for Cory, do it for me. I didn’t want to say anything to spoil the trip, but I could use some moral support myself.”

  She shook her head, not understanding.

  He ran his hand along the back of his neck, frustration evident. “I got a call last night from a deputy sheriff down south.”

  Oh, please, Lord, not more bad news. “About your dad?”

  “They found his wallet, but no sign of him. I want to deliver the news to my family in person. Didn’t feel like doing it over the phone last night.”

  “But don’t you think that’s all the more reason Cory and I shouldn’t go with you?” The tension in her stomach increased. “Your family shouldn’t have to attend to the needs of strangers at a time like this.”