“Why do you ask, Officer Schmitz?” Jason kept his expression sober, his tone serious. “Do you want me to give you a few lessons?”
Officer Schmitz’s boot-clad feet dropped to the tiled floor with a thud. He nearly fell out of his chair. Recovering his aplomb, he said, “No, sir. I just couldn’t help but notice you on Saturday night dancing with—” he cleared his throat, hiding a grin behind his fisted hand “—Mrs. Conrand.”
“Is that right?” Undaunted, Jason lowered himself onto the corner of the man’s desk. “And here I thought you were on duty, keeping an eye on the citizens of this fine town, not on the activities of your police chief.”
“No, sir...I mean, yes, sir.” Officer Schmitz shifted uncomfortably. “I certainly was on duty.”
Jason leveled a steady glance at the man and continued, “Even if it’s true I was dancing with Mrs. Conrad, what a man does on his day off isn’t really anyone else’s business but his own. Isn’t that right, Officer Schmitz?”
The other man blinked, having the sense not to answer.
Jason went on, “Because I’m sure that an officer who spends his days off playing poker at Tuttle’s Tavern—a game of questionable legal repute, I might add—wouldn’t want everyone to discuss his winnings and losings the next time he stepped foot into the department.”
“No, sir.” The man’s cheeks flushed a rosy hue. “He certainly wouldn’t.”
“I’m glad we understand each other.” Jason glanced around the room at the rest of the men, who were watching in amused interest. “Anyone else interested in my dancing prowess?”
His challenge got no takers.
Jason smiled. “Good, then why don’t we get down to business?”
The subject of his weekend dalliance with the town’s favorite waitress temporarily gave way to a reporting of the evening’s events. As Jason listened to the report, he silently berated himself for allowing his hormones to rule his judgment. Like it or not, he was the chief of police. His behavior would always be under scrutiny. Not only by his fellow officers, but also by the rest of the town.
Not that he couldn’t handle a little razzing from the boys at work. It was the compromising position in which he’d placed Maggie that concerned him. She didn’t deserve to be the subject of backroom gossip.
Jason felt the heat of embarrassment as he recalled how close he’d come to giving into his desire and kissing Maggie in the middle of the Spring Carnival’s dance floor. A move like that would have given his men even more interesting fodder for the morning’s gossip mill.
Betty, the dispatcher, called from her desk, rousing him from his thoughts. “Chief, we’ve got a call from the principal at the grade school. He says there’s a couple of tenyear-old boys who haven’t shown up for class yet.”
Jason’s heart leapt into his throat. His own son’s last, fateful trip to school flashed through his mind. As though it were yesterday, he could still see Scott smile and wave goodbye as he walked out the door. He forced the memory from his mind and answered in an even tone, “Has he talked to their parents yet?”
“Yep,” she said, nodding, sending coppery ringlets of hair bouncing about her head. “Seems they’re pretty upset. The boys left a couple of hours ago for school. They should have been there by now.”
“Probably just playing hooky,” one of the officers suggested. “It’s a mighty fine day out there. If I had a choice, I’d rather spend my morning outside soakin’ up the sunshine than inside crackin’ open the books.”
The suggestion was met with a round of chuckles.
Jason wasn’t so sure. He knew firsthand the dangers innocent children faced on a daily basis. “Get a description. Tell the principal we’ll start a search for them.”
As the dispatcher followed his directions, he snapped out orders to his crew. “Make this a priority. I want everyone out there looking for those boys. Myer, check the hospital for any unreported accidents involving kids. Schmitz, I want you to talk to the parents, make sure the boys aren’t hiding out at home, get a handle on their daily habits. Everyone else, patrol the streets and keep your eyes peeled for those boys.”
For a moment his men did not move. They seemed surprised, taken aback by his urgency.
“Anything wrong?” he asked, his heart pounding, his voice sharper than he’d intended.
“No, sir. It’s just...” Officer Schmitz smiled uneasily. “I, uh...well, I don’t think we need to make such a big deal out of this, Chief. The boys’ll probably show up at school before we even have a chance to get into our cars.”
“I hope you’re right,” Jason said. He shot a hard glance around the room, challenging the rest of the crew to question his judgment. “In the meantime, I’d suggest you all get moving.”
The officers rose to their feet. Conversations buzzed as they gathered their hats and gun belts and headed for the door.
Jason felt numb as he watched them leave. A familiar feeling of helplessness washed over him. He couldn’t move; his feet felt like lead. He couldn’t concentrate; he was bombarded by images of his son, of the suffering Scott had endured before his tiny bruised and battered body finally gave up the fight.
Scott had lived almost three days after being struck by a car while crossing an intersection on his way to school. The driver had been drunk, coming home after an all-night binge.
Jason’s son never had a chance to come home.
The experience had been painful, unbearably so. Jason had wanted to die right along with his son. He didn’t know how he’d found the strength to go on alone.
But he had.
Now Jason pushed himself from the desk. He strode over to the dispatcher, listening as she relayed a description of the two boys on the radio. Restlessly he paced the floor between his office and the dispatch desk.
The minutes passed much too slowly, and still there was no word. Ignoring the curious glances from the office staff, he continued his pacing, unable to stop the tension from building inside him.
And then he’d had enough.
Nearly half an hour after the call came in, he grabbed his hat and headed for the door to join the search. He hollered at the dispatcher, “Betty, I’ll be in my car. Let me know if you hear anything new.”
“Just a minute, Chief,” Betty called out, stopping his mad dash. “It’s Officer Schmitz. Sounds like he might have found the boys.”
Jason’s hand rested on the cold metal bar of the door handle. He froze midstep. He stared at her and waited for the news, hoping for the best, dreading the worst.
“Schmitz says the only thing missin’ from the boys’ homes were a couple of fishing rods.” Betty grinned. “Actin’ on a hunch, he started checkin’ out the local watering holes. He says he found them at Frazier’s pond.” Her expression softened, her tone gentled. “The boys are okay, Chief. Schmitz is taking them home to their mommas right now.”
Relief poured through Jason. His legs felt like jelly, his muscles as weak as a newborn kitten’s. The experience had been emotionally draining. He’d come to Wyndchester to find peace. To put the past behind him.
He’d been a fool to think he could ever do that.
Uncertainly he remained at the doorway, feeling adrift, not sure what to do next. After his son’s death, he’d relied on the sympathetic ears of fellow police officers to ease his pain.
Now he was the chief of police, someone his men saw as a role model, not someone who broke down over a simple truancy call.
Who could he turn to in Wyndchester when he needed reassurance?
He knew of only one person.
Making his decision quickly, ignoring the dispatcher’s surprised look, he said, “Betty, I’m taking a coffee break. If anybody needs to find me, I’ll be at Mel’s diner.”
It was too early for his coffee break.
The morning rush was still in full swing. Frowning, Maggie stared out the front window of Mel’s. Panic gripped her as she watched Jason step hesitantly across the street toward the diner.
It was too soon. She wasn’t ready to face him yet. Not after what had happened between them on Friday night.
Maggie’s pulse quickened, her body warmed as she recalled how good it had felt to be held in Jason’s arms. How easily the conversation had flowed between them. How close she’d come to kissing him.
She closed her eyes and drew in a steadying breath. She felt as though she was losing control. As though no matter how hard she tried to push Jason away, the closer they became.
It had to stop. For Kevin’s sake and her own, she could not allow Jason to become part of their lives. Forging a relationship with a man who could ultimately destroy what little security she’d found in her life was insane. She was courting disaster.
The bell over the door jangled.
Maggie’s eyes flew open.
Jason didn’t even make a pretense of his reason for his early visit. With a determined look in his eyes, he headed for the front counter. Wide-shouldered, slim-hipped and long-legged, he proved a formidable temptation. Maggie averted her gaze. She stared at the Formica countertop, steeling herself against an unwanted surge of awareness.
He slid into the stool in front of her. Slowly, almost reluctantly, she raised her eyes and met his gaze.
And knew something was wrong.
Tension etched his handsome face. His jaw was set in a hard line. A vein pulsed at his temple. He looked pale, shaken.
Maggie’s resolve to keep her distance melted in a hot rush of concern. Without asking, she placed a cup and saucer in front of him, then poured some coffee and waited.
Jason’s hand shook as he reached for the cup. He gripped it so tightly Maggie was afraid it might shatter in his hands. With the exaggerated care of a man who’d had too much to drink, he brought the cup to his lips and sipped.
Unable to help herself, Maggie cleared her throat. “Is everything all right, Jason?”
“Yeah, I mean...no.” He shook his head and gave a bitter-sounding laugh. “I don’t know what I mean. I don’t know even what I’m doing here.” His cup clattered loudly as he dropped it back onto its saucer. Coffee splashed onto the counter. Cursing softly, he rose to his feet. “This was a mistake. I’m sorry to have bothered you, Maggie.”
A part of her—the part that would fight tooth and nail to protect her son, as well as herself—wanted to say good riddance. After all, she hadn’t asked him to seek her out and drop his problems onto her lap. But another part—the part that remembered how, not too long ago, when the situation had been reversed and she’d been the one in need, Jason had reached out to help her—just couldn’t let him go.
“Jason, wait.” Without thinking, she put a hand on his forearm, stopping him. Her fingers looked small, delicate against the strength of his arm. His skin felt hot, sizzling to her touch. Maggie gasped as waves of heat rippled through her.
Jason flinched at the sound of her sharp intake of breath. His muscles tightened. He stared at her hand, then his gaze flicked upward to scan her face.
As though she’d been burned, Maggie snatched her hand away. Realizing he was waiting for her to speak, she stammered, “I—I’m due for a break. Why don’t we sit down at a booth and talk for a while?”
He hesitated, glancing anxiously out the window at the street outside. For a moment she thought he might refuse. Then, with a sigh, he nodded.
Not giving herself a chance to change her mind, Maggie grabbed a pot of coffee and called out, “I’m taking a break, Mel.”
The kitchen door swung open. Mel poked his head outside. Scowling, he grumbled, “We’ve still got customers, Maggie.”
“Aw, let her go, Mel. I’ll take over her station,” Dot said, coming to her rescue. The blond waitress placed a hand on her ample hips and gave Maggie a conspiratorial wink. “Enjoy yourself now, honey.”
Embarrassed heat rose on Maggie’s face. If the residents of Wyndchester hadn’t guessed there was something going on between her and the police chief, they’d be sure to think so now. Sitting down with Jason, having a cup of coffee and sharing an innocent conversation with him was like waving a red flag in front of the town gossips. They’d have a hard time resisting the news.
Jason followed her to a booth at the far side of the diner. The table and neighboring booth were empty, giving them some privacy. Setting the coffeepot on the table, she took a seat.
He slid into the bench across from her, his knees bumping hers as he settled himself. Sparks of awareness traveled up her thigh.
“Sorry,” he murmured at her sharp inhalation. He frowned. “Did I hurt you?”
“No, I’m fine. It was just—” she crossed her legs, shifting away from Jason’s touch, away from temptation “—just a shock.”
Silence descended between them. They stared at each other awkwardly. Maggie reached for the coffeepot in an effort to fill the gap. This time, her hands shook as she filled their cups.
The silence continued.
Jason stared at his cup, turning it around and around on the table before him. Then, without warning, he blurted, “I had a call this morning. It was about a couple of boys missing from school.”
“Not Kevin?” she whispered. The words sounded strained, strangled by the sudden tightness of her throat. Her heart thumped wildly in her chest. She searched Jason’s face, looking for reassurance that her son was all right.
“No, of course not. Kevin’s fine.” He reached over and covered her trembling hand with his. “Jesus, Maggie. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.”
She stared at their joined hands, collecting her scattered poise before facing him again. There was something very reassuring about his touch. It warmed her skin, warmed her heart.
Reluctantly she pulled away, fisting her hands in her lap. She looked up and caught the confusing disappointment in his eyes. Swallowing hard, she said, “The boys... are they all right?”
“Yeah, they’re fine,” he said with a rueful grimace. “They were all along. Seems they decided to play hooky for the day. One of my men found them out at Frazier’s pond, catching a few fish.”
“Thank goodness,” Maggie murmured softly. She waited, knowing there was more to this visit than a pair of truant boys. Jason was a man who looked like he’d seen a ghost.
She didn’t have long to wait.
Raking a hand through his dark hair, he said, “I think maybe I’ve worked too long in the city. It’s warped my perception of life. I expect to find the worst in every situation.”
“Like this morning?” she prompted.
“Yeah, like this morning.” He sighed. “I assumed something bad had happened to those boys. I had my men out there looking for bodies, not a couple of living-andbreathing boys playing hooky on a beautiful spring day.”
“You were being cautious,” she said, choosing her words carefully, wishing she could erase the pain in his eyes. “No one can fault you for that.”
“I overreacted.” His jaw clenched, then unclenched. Self-directed anger clouded his handsome face. “I know it. And my men know it, too.”
She frowned. “Why are you being so hard on yourself? You’ve only been in Wyndchester a few weeks. You can’t expect to adjust to the ways of a small town so quickly. No one else expects you to, either.”
Jason didn’t answer. He stared at his hands.
She tried a new tack. “So you made a mistake. You’re human. I’ve only lived in Wyndchester a few months, but I’ve found it to be a town that’s willing to give anyone a second chance.” When he remained stubbornly mute, Maggie sighed. “Jason, your men are going to respect you more for caring too much than too little.”
For a long moment he didn’t say a word. Then, just as she wondered if he’d even heard her, he lifted his gaze and smiled for the first time. “A second chance, eh? Is that why you’ve come to Wyndchester? For that second chance?”
The question hit too close to home. Unease settled heavily against her chest, making it hard to breathe. “Maybe,” she said, struggling for an even tone, lo
oking for a way to direct the conversation back to safer footing. “How about you? Why did you come to Wyndchester?”
He stared at his cooling cup of coffee. Then, raising a brow, he asked, “Do you want the truth?”
She nodded, not trusting herself to speak.
“I came to find a simpler life.” The hollow sound of his deep voice sent a shiver down her spine. “To find a reason to restore my faith in mankind.”
Pain dulled his eyes. She saw a vulnerability in him she hadn’t known existed. And she knew he wasn’t telling her the whole truth. Jason carried all the signs of a man who’d been hurt deeply.
What secret pain wasn’t he telling her?
Maggie realized, suddenly, they weren’t all that different. She and Jason had more in common than she cared to admit. Both had been hurt in the past. Both were looking for a fresh start, a more promising future.
“Have you...” Her voice caught. She swallowed hard. The lump of emotion she felt seemed too big to ignore. “Have you found that reason yet?”
His gaze unwavering, he looked directly into her eyes and said, “Yes, I believe I have.”
They stared at each other, neither saying a word. Both waiting for the other to speak. Both uncertain how to deal with the importance of his admission.
Laughter erupted from a group of customers at a table nearby. The sound whipped through the diner, effectively ending the intimate spell Jason’s words had cast.
Maggie blinked, coming to her senses. Uncrossing her legs, she scooted out of the bench. “I’ve got to go.”
“Maggie, I—”
“I’ve taken a long enough break as it is,” she said, not allowing him a word, too afraid of what he might say next. She stumbled to her feet.
He started to follow. “If you’d just let me—”
“I’m sorry, but I’ve really got to run.” She stepped away from the booth. “Mel’s going to blow a gasket if I don’t get back to work.”
“Right,” Jason said, releasing a defeated breath. “Then I guess I’d better let you go.”
Her Second Chance Family Page 10