Secrets and Lies (Hearts Of Braden Book 4)

by Susanne Matthews

  Turning up the lane leading to the homestead, he sighed. Maybe he would invite her out here for a barbecue where he wouldn’t have to share her attention with anyone. He parked the car and went inside. Tomorrow he would talk to Cal and Mabel.

  * * * *

  “I don’t know why you think I had anything to do with the problems that woman’s been having,” Mabel defended. “As if I even know how to break into a car and remove a battery.”

  “I didn’t say you did, and neither did Cal. All we asked was that you’d tell anyone you’d complained to about her, that you were backing down and giving her a chance. You know, Mabel, uttering threats like the one sprayed on her apartment window is a criminal offense as are vandalism and mischief. You wouldn’t want some kid to end up before the judge because of this. If Clint is involved, it’ll be strike three for your nephew, and he’ll be going away this time, not just getting community service and probation.”

  “Clint wouldn’t do this. He’s got a job at the ethanol plant, and he’s trying to straighten up. If word gets out he’s a suspect, it’ll undo months of hard work, and he could get fired.”

  The phone rang, and Jackson breathed a sigh of relief. Saved by the bell. “Yes, Mary, what’s up?”

  “Ms. Jacobson is here.”

  “She’s early,” he said, knowing the excitement in his voice was obvious by the way Mabel scowled.

  Mary chuckled. “Shall I ask her to wait?”

  “No. I’ll be right out.” He hung up and stood. “Mabel, promise me you’ll behave. Emily’s here for the year whether you like it or not. You do know she’s a friend of Cal and Julie’s, don’t you?”

  She pursed her lips and nodded.

  “If you can’t get along with her, I’ll have to let you go. The school board was definite about that. They want this project to succeed. No more petitions, nasty letters, or complaints that might be misunderstood?”

  Mabel stared at him, her fury barely suppressed.

  He knew she would see he meant every word he’d spoken. He didn’t throw his weight around often, but when he did…

  She looked away and huffed out a breath. “Fine, never let it be said I didn’t give it a try, but this is doomed to failure. Mark my words. If there’s trouble, it’ll be all on her.”

  And on me.

  He shook his head, walked around his desk, and opened the door to the outer office area.

  Emily stood when he came into the reception area and smiled.

  Her smile simply knocked the wind out of him.

  Dressed in a stylish navy blue pantsuit that looked both elegant and professional, she wore a scoop-necked crimson top that enhanced her peaches and cream complexion, and had tamed her curls into a sleek style and looked polished, yet sexier than ever.

  She reminded him of Audrey Hepburn, the actress he had a crush on from the moment he’d seen her in Breakfast at Tiffany’s years ago. Those inappropriate dreams he experienced the last couple of nights this week rose to haunt him. He swallowed awkwardly, wishing he’d worn a shirt with a looser collar.

  “Hello again,” she said, and held out her hand.

  He reached for it, surprised once more by the tingling sensation that occurred even with her briefest touch. Did she feel it too? He watched her skin flush—from pleasure or embarrassment?

  “Thank you for arranging to have my car fixed. The boy said the bill was paid, so I’ll have to settle up with you as soon as you let me know what I owe.”

  “It isn’t much. I’ll get the invoice later.”

  “I hope my being early isn’t a problem. I’m used to bigger towns and cities. I got here quite quickly, even though my GPS went out on me halfway here. I swear the thing hates me. It blanks out when I need it most.”

  Jackson chuckled. “Probably when you hit a dead spot. There’s one or two right in town, and a couple more in and around Braden.”

  “Good to know. I won’t take it personally. Did my order arrive yesterday?”

  “It did. The custodian unpacked the foodstuff and loaded it into the cupboards then turned on the fridge and freezer as requested. The other items are in your office.”

  “Great. Those things came from wholesalers in Chicago. Meat and frozen items will be delivered on Monday morning along with fresh fruit and vegetables, most of which will be coming from local suppliers as they have in the past. Merryn Sota will be looking after all the baked goods. I was a little worried she might have problems meeting our needs since she’s so close to term, but she doesn’t expect that to be a problem.”

  “Merryn is a fantastic baker. No one in the county can come close. When we have the annual Thanksgiving pie sale, she provides the school with five tables full of delectable pies. I’m not sure how many she’ll manage this year since the baby’s due before then. I’m glad you’ll be using local people. Times have been tough around here and everyone needs the money for one thing or another. It’s been a madhouse trying to get ready for next week, and there’s been one set back after another.”

  “And I added to the problems, didn’t I?” She bit her lip.

  At the slight action, he stifled a groan.

  “I’m sorry about that,” she continued. “I know Mrs. Loucks isn’t thrilled to have me here, but the people I’ve met seem friendly and open to working with me. I hope I can convince her that I’m not the enemy she thinks I am. I read her letter to the editor.”

  He winced. “Mabel is just letting off steam. She didn’t mean it the way it sounded,” he lied and prayed neither Mabel nor the Good Lord would strike him dead for doing so. He caught Mary’s eye roll, and hoped Emily hadn’t seen it. “If you’re going to use local suppliers, it’ll placate her some. I don’t think she’ll give you any more trouble.

  She chuckled again.

  Her laughter reminded him of tinkling chimes, pure and crystal clear.

  “Well, let’s hope she’s finished. I don’t want to have any more mishaps. You won’t always be around to bail me out. Shall we get started?”

  “Come into my office. Mabel is waiting and we can work out the details.”

  * * * *

  Even the mention of the woman causing her so much trouble wasn’t enough to control Emily’s racing heart, and she prayed Jackson hadn’t noticed how much his slight touch had affected her. Working with a contrary Mabel Loucks would be a piece of cake compared to trying to keep herself under control around him.

  Curious to know more about her white knight, especially when her car had been delivered early the other day, and the boy had said there was no charge, she’d asked Lisa about him, and her landlady had sung the man’s praises. Joey loved him and had decided to go into teaching when he graduated because of him. Right now, her son and a few of his friends were working out at the Double J doing chores at the homestead.

  “As I mentioned the other night,” Jackson said, opening his office door and bringing her back to the moment. “I invited Mabel to meet with us. She’s been looking after the cafeteria for over thirty years, and if you can get past that little faux pas of hers in the paper and the recent exuberance of her friends who felt she was being slighted, she can be a great help to you.”

  “Change is never easy,” Emily said. “And I’m sure Mrs. Loucks is feeling very defensive right now. It isn’t my intention to cause any trouble here.”

  “I’m sure Mabel feels the same way.”

  She moved closer to him as he indicated she should precede him, and it took every ounce of self-control she had not to lean back against his hand when he guided her ahead of him. As soon as they were inside his office, he closed the door, and pulled his hand away, but the spot where he touched her still held an unusual warmth.

  Get a grip, Emily. Stop acting like some love struck teenager. Must be my damn biological clock ticking.

  A large woman in her late fifties stood, and Emily watched her try to school her features, but the lady’s resentment was obvious. Maybe this cover was a mistake. Between having this unwanted attra
ction for Jackson and having to watch her back with Mabel, she wouldn’t be able to do the job. If the three teachers she’d met were somehow implicated, working here could have all kinds of dangerous ramifications.

  “Mable Loucks,” Jackson spoke motioning to the recalcitrant woman who looked ready to wage war rather than make peace. “Emily Jacobson from the FDA. She’s here to help us implement the new Healthy Living Initiative and that includes the National School Lunch Program.”

  Emily smile openly at Mabel.

  She was sizing her up the way a wrestler did his opposition. Considering the woman had at least a hundred pounds on her, it wouldn’t be a fair fight. The old joke, who brings a gun to a knife fight? The winner, ran through her mind, and she stifled a giggle that wouldn’t help at all. “Pleased to meet you, Mrs. Loucks,” Emily said, hoping the ace she had up her sleeve in this pseudo poker game would be enough to win the woman over, and held out her hand.

  She’d spent most of yesterday meeting with all of the people she could who’d previously supplied the school, and with a few changes to the products ordered, most were ready to continue doing business with them. She’d also gone to the other bar in town, The Hart, and had introduced herself to the mayor.

  Will Channing had been friendly and helpful, welcoming her to Braden and wishing her success with implementing the lunch program. Like many others, he’d warned her that Mabel’s bark was worse than her bite.

  She’d explained that her purpose in town was two-fold. Not only would she be looking after integrating the new food plan, she also hoped to raise drug awareness in the area. So far, Braden didn’t seem to be any worse off in that regard than any other small town in America. There was the usual abuse of alcohol and marijuana, but Will thought the harder designer drugs hadn’t gotten a foothold yet, although with so many strangers in and around the place, it was hard to tell. When she brought up meth, he seemed unaware any of it might be available locally.

  “You’re younger than I thought you’d be,” Mabel said grudgingly, bringing Emily back to the meeting at hand.

  The woman shook her hand, and Emily could’ve sworn Jackson had let out a deep breath as if he’d been holding it. She’d done her homework and knew she could catch more flies with honey than vinegar. From the woman’s sour puss, lots of honey would be needed here.

  “I’m older than I look,” Emily replied, trying not to take offense at what the woman probably meant as a negative comment on her skills. “Thank you for so many years of keeping the young people of Braden fed and happy. I’m sure we’ll have a wonderful and productive year together. I had a look at last year’s menu, and it was impressive. You’re to be commended for offering such varied choices. Most schools I’ve been in only offer one or two meal choices each day, but you consistently offered four, and ran on a bi-weekly menu instead of a fixed annual one. We need to make a few changes, but I don’t think implementing the new guidelines will be that hard.”

  “Well, it depends what needs to be changed,” Mabel answered petulantly, her lips pursed.

  Emily could see she was getting ready to argue.

  “And of course what I’ll be able to purchase and from where,” Mabel added with a raised brow.

  “I’m hoping we can continue to get as much of it locally as we can. I’ve arranged with Merryn to supply us with whole wheat pizza crusts instead of the white flour ones, then whole grain bread, rolls, and buns. She’s willing to make our tortillas for wraps as well.”

  “She is?” Mabel answered surprised.

  Emily grinned. First point to me.

  “Won’t that be a lot more work for her with the baby and all?”

  “Merryn doesn’t think so,” Emily countered having discussed this very point with the baker when they met. “She’s used to doing much of it now and figures to work around the baby’s schedule. Apparently, she’s got good help in place, and Beatrice shows no sign of wanting to retire. Since her baking already meets USDA standards, all she needs to do is switch to whole wheat and multigrain flour. She’s also agreed to continue supplying any cookies, brownies, or other desserts we might require.”

  Emily watched Mabel’s face as well as Jackson’s. She could see they were both impressed by what she’d said, but while Jackson might admit it, Mabel wouldn’t, at least not yet.

  “What about the other foods we need? Will any of that come from local suppliers?”

  “Since we’ll be providing a higher concentration of fresh fruits and vegetables, those will primarily come from contracted sources, but I’ve spoken with the Andersen’s who’ll continue to supply whatever they can, and Lola mentioned you got your eggs directly from the farmers, but she wasn’t sure if it was one or more. I checked out the ones she mentioned, and I’m satisfied they’ll meet our needs. I’ve also visited the dairy cooperative and that should be fine as well.”

  “That’s all well and good, but these are teenagers. They live for French fries and chicken fingers,” Mabel interjected, unwilling to give up her animosity too easily. “And pizza without pepperoni won’t go over well.”

  “I’m sure we can come up with a suitable compromise. We can still offer fries and chicken fingers, but they’ll be baked instead of fried. The spicy fries have been a big hit with the students in other schools, and we can offer Hawaiian pizzas with pineapple and ham. The chicken and vegetable pizza is really quite good, and if they insist on pepperoni, I’ll just have to find a low fat variety. I think the salad bar will go over well, especially with the girls watching their weight.”

  “But kids need protein, especially the younger ones who are still growing.”

  “They do, and that’s why we’ll include cheese, boiled eggs, and chick peas and beans on the salad bar. We can try putting out small cubes of tofu as well and see how they go over. Perhaps in a few months, we can add a make-your own-sandwich bar with lean cuts of chicken, ham, and beef and low fat cheese, plus tuna and salmon salad as well as all the vegetables. We don’t have to bring in all the changes at once, although I’d like to have the salad bar up and running next week. Of course, the students will have some input, too. Eating nutritiously is a life choice, and we want them to learn to do so willingly. I have no intention of cramming hummus down their throats.”

  Mabel reddened, but didn’t say a word.

  “If you’re ready,” Jackson finally spoke. “I thought you might like Mabel to give you a tour of the kitchen, and she can show you your office on the way back. I’m afraid I had to put you in Student Services. I have a larger space available on the third floor, but there isn’t a lift up there.”

  “Being in with Student Services is perfect. I’ve been tasked with drug education as well as nutrition, but I’ll try not to hit everyone over the head with it all at once, but being there will give me a chance to observe the students and when they come in, I can do mini surveys and get to know them one on one.”

  Jackson nodded. “Drugs haven’t been a serious issue here,” he said for Mabel’s benefit since he and Emily had spoken before. “But it’s good for the students to be aware of the dangers. I’ll give you the names of a few kids who might be more into experimentation than others. We have a class of eighteen seniors this year. Hopefully some of them will be able to go on with their education, and knowing the dangers they may face elsewhere can’t hurt.”

  “My department works closely with the DEA, and unfortunately, places hit by natural disasters often see an increase in drug use. They believe Braden may have been targeted by the Chef, a particularly dangerous meth cook.”

  “You make it sound as if you know this man,” he stated.

  Emily detected a note of concern in his voice. Was she wrong? If he was involved with the Chef, the last thing she needed was for him to discover her real purpose here.

  Shaking her head vigorously, probably more than she needed to, since she was playing with fire and had just gotten singed, she looked for a way to ease the distrust in his eyes. “I don’t know him personally, but I kn
ow his type, or rather I’ve seen the damage he can inflict. What starts off as a twelve-hour burst of energy, ends up destroying people.” Thoughts of Jimmy and the great musician he’d been before getting hooked on cocaine, fentanyl, and eventually the Chef’s special brand of meth brought tears to her eyes and she fought to keep them back.

  Mabel harrumphed.

  The sound grounded her and Emily was grateful for the woman’s gruffness. Sympathy now would’ve been her undoing.

  “None of the people in Braden are stupid enough to touch that poison, no matter how bad things have gotten for some of them, but if you want to spend your time doing that, I’ll see to it the cafeteria runs well. The ladies who help me prepare the food and serve it have a space beside the kitchen. It would’ve been a mite crowded there with you as well.”

  Emily nodded. This was probably as good as she would get, so she needed to be satisfied, and once the cafeteria was adhering to the food plan, she could focus on the drugs and the dangers of meth. Maybe her advocacy would smoke the Chef and his colleagues out of hiding.

  “I wouldn’t want to put anyone out. I’m only here for the year and if everything goes well, I may even go before it’s over.” The idea of leaving Braden sooner than the end of the year filled her with mixed emotions. Knowing she would have put the Chef out of business was satisfying, but the thought of leaving and never really getting to know Jackson depressed her.

  “When you’re finished in the cafeteria,” Jackson said. “I’ve made a reservation for lunch out on the balcony at the Worthington Arms, so as soon as you’re ready we can go. I assume you’ll want to take your own vehicles.”

  “I do,” Mabel said and frowned. “I’d need a step stool to get up into your truck.”