Though she tried for a calm, unruffled exterior, inside Sophia was a quivering mess of nerves. Around him, she felt a mishmash of unfamiliar sensations. She felt overly sensitive to his every movement, so much so that she could swear she heard every breath he took. Her pulse jumped, making her wonder if even her heart beat in time with his. Foolish, she knew. But something about this man lured her, as powerful as the spring sunshine guided a field flower to open toward it.
She’d need to be careful around him. Just his presence could turn out to be dangerous to her peace of mind.
Chapter 5
After the beautiful Sophia left him alone in a cavernous storeroom that appeared to have been stocked with no discernable method of organization, Jack knew he needed to come up with a plan. He knew virtually nothing about his new position, including how long he’d work each day. All Thomas had told him was to be at the clinic at 7:00 a.m.
In order to find out if the Bartletts’ son was here, Jack had to figure out a way to be around the children without appearing to be creepy. If he’d been asked what he’d like to do, he would have volunteered to help at their learning center, or whatever they called a school here. Since he hadn’t been given a choice—apparently, no one was—he was stuck at the medical clinic. Which, considering the strength of his attraction to Sophia, could cause trouble.
No, he needed to get his information and get out, as quickly as possible. Without being discovered. Maybe he could offer to do volunteer work, such as tutoring. Except he didn’t have any idea if things like that were done here.
He already was an outsider, working his best to fit in. Unfortunately that took time. And patience had never been his strong suit. Not only that, but the Bartlett family seemed almost at the end of their rope. The faith they’d put in him made him even more determined to get them answers.
Right now, he’d have no choice but to take things as they came. Since he was assigned here, he needed to get to know the rest of the staff so they’d feel comfortable answering questions. Therefore, the sooner he got the storeroom cleaned up, the better.
He worked hard, tackling the task with single-minded intent. Around noon, his stomach growled and he realized not only had no one come to check on him, but he had no idea what time he should go to lunch.
Deciding now sounded like a good time, he straightened and walked out of the storeroom into the main part of the clinic. He’d find Sophia and see if she’d be open to having a bite to eat with him.
The clinic appeared strangely empty, making him think they must close it for lunch. If there was a break room or kitchen, he hadn’t yet seen it, so he took himself on a quick tour hoping to find it. When he’d worked construction with Phillip, they’d all gone home to eat lunch at the same time every day. Most likely that was the routine here, as well, but then again, how could they close down for an hour? What would happen if there was a medical emergency during lunchtime? He had to think they’d leave someone with medical expertise on the premises.
As he walked down a hallway, past three empty exam rooms, he came to a set of double doors with a sign marked Private. He didn’t remember seeing this before when Sophia had given him the short version of a tour.
Assuming Private meant people who didn’t work there, he pushed through. From a room around the corner, he heard the sound of a man’s voice, which could only be the doctor. Since he hadn’t met him yet, he figured now would be as good a time as any.
But as he drew closer, something the man was saying stopped him in his tracks.
“Thomas, I understand, believe me. But they’re traumatized. You can’t just uproot them, take them away from everyone and everything they love and expect there not to be consequences.”
Silence followed this statement, making Jack think the other man might be talking on a phone. Which would be really unusual since Jack hadn’t seen a single phone, whether cell or landline, since arriving here. Maybe doctors got special privileges.
Not only that, but it sounded as if the conversation might be about abducting children and bringing them inside the compound.
Shamelessly eavesdropping, Jack waited to see what the man would say next.
“I’m not a psychiatrist. I told you that. I’m a medical doctor. I have zero experience in dealing with the kind of emotional trauma we’re dealing with here.” Frustration rang in his voice. “And yes, while it does sometimes manifest shortly after arrival, the repercussions can last for years.”
Jack struggled to contain his mounting excitement. Finally a possible lead. Of course, he’d need more than a single overheard conversation that notably lacked specifics.
“Then you’d better find a shrink or, at the very least, a therapist, and bring him here.” With that, the man slammed down the phone.
Which was Jack’s cue to back away. Because he’d just had an idea. Sure, he’d have to do some fast talking, if not outright lying. But what better way to find out if the COE was kidnapping children than to be their therapist?
After going home for a quick lunch with Phillip, who genuinely appeared happy to see him, Jack hurried back to the clinic. Walking there, he struggled to calm his jangling nerves. This could be huge or it might be only nothing. He wouldn’t know until he tried.
Reaching the front door, he saw the sign now read Open. He’d only been gone thirty minutes, just to be on the safe side. Next up, he’d need to figure out a way to meet the doctor who’d been talking on the phone.
Sophia greeted him the instant he walked in the door. “I’m sorry I forgot to come get you to let you know we were closing for lunch.” She flashed a quick smile, which lit up her eyes, changing the velvety brown to a deep, captivating amber. “But I see you figured it out anyway. I was just about to go check on your progress.”
He gave a mock bow. “I’d be delighted to show you what I’ve accomplished. I’m thinking I can finish by the end of the day.”
“Great.”
As he turned to head back toward the storeroom, a large man in a white coat entered the reception area. Frowning, he glanced from Sophia to Jack. “Who’s this?” he asked, annoyance echoing in his tone.
Yep, the same man he’d heard earlier. “I’m Jack Moreno,” he said, holding out his hand. “Your newest employee.”
“Dr. Drew.” After the handshake, the doctor’s frown cleared. “I do remember Thomas telling me something about you. You’re the man he brought in the other day.”
Jack nodded, and realizing it was now or never, he gave a self-depreciating shrug. “I used to be a therapist once, so in a way a medical clinic is right up my ally.”
Though he registered Sophia’s surprise, he kept his attention on the doctor.
“A therapist?” Dr. Drew’s brows rose. “Thomas didn’t mention that.”
Jack shrugged, as if it was no big deal. “Probably because I didn’t tell him. It was a long time ago and all very informal. I apprenticed under the military psychologist, but I was never actually licensed to practice.”
“Interesting.” Turning to Sophia, the doctor dismissed him. “Do we have any patients scheduled for this afternoon?”
Sophia shook her head. “None scheduled. Probably just the usual walk-ins.”
“Good. I’ll be back in my office. I’ve got quite a bit of paperwork to catch up on. Let me know if there’s something you and Ana can’t handle.”
Jack watched as the other man took off down the same hallway and pushed through the double doors marked Private.
Now all he needed to do was wait to see if his carefully placed offhanded comment would work.
* * *
Sophia couldn’t believe the amount of work Jack had been able to accomplish in one day. The storeroom looked nothing like it had before, when supplies had been heaped upon each other with no discernable method of organization. Now, every single shelf was nea
t and organized with like items grouped together. “You’re definitely a hard worker,” she said, turning so she could take in both him and the now extremely well-organized storeroom. When she met his blue gaze, her breath caught in her throat. “This is amazing.”
“Thank you.” He beamed at her praise, causing warmth to uncurl low in her belly. “I made a data sheet showing where everything is and how much of it we have in stock.”
“You took inventory, too?” She couldn’t contain her disbelief. “Wow. Just wow.”
He glanced at his watch, drawing her attention to his muscular arms. “If there’s nothing else I need to attend to today, is it okay if I head home?”
Though she didn’t wear a watch, the time showing on wall clock revealed it was well after quitting time. “Of course,” she said. “As a matter of fact, if you’ll wait a minute, we can go out together.”
He nodded. “Where’s Ana and Dr. Drew?”
Hurrying around to turn out lights, she barely glanced at him. “Ana already left. And Dr. Drew might still be in his office. I’m not sure. But he always goes out the back door. He expects me to make sure everything up front is off and locked up.”
“I’m surprised you lock up here,” he commented. “Have you ever had a problem with crime?”
“No. At least, not that I’m aware of. But Dr. Drew keeps a minimal supply of drugs here and he says it’s better not to tempt anyone.” The second she spoke, she remembered what she’d been told of his background. “I’m sorry,” she muttered. “I know you’re a recovering addict.”
A mixture of surprise, anger and resignation flashed across his face. “I am,” he answered easily. “Though I wonder why they—I’m guessing Thomas—felt compelled to tell you.”
Now she’d really done it. Still, she owed this man the truth. “He didn’t, actually,” she admitted. “I read it in your file. Dr. Drew left it out on his desk and I had to file it. I was curious, so I peeked.” She could feel her face blaze with heat as she admitted she’d been a snoop.
To her surprise, he chuckled. “Okay, that makes more sense. I wasn’t aware I had a file.”
“Oh, everyone does. I imagine it’s the same outside, isn’t it? Personnel files and all that.”
“True.” He didn’t seem curious about what else might be in the file. She might have been, but then again, maybe not. Especially if he didn’t have anything to hide.
Walking home after work with Jack by her side, Sophia couldn’t shake the feeling that her life was about to change. Well, of course, it was. She’d be getting married in less than a month.
As usual, her stomach turned at the thought. Then she glanced at the tall man next to her and everything seemed to come into focus.
She knew she ought to be worried, but how could she be? No matter what emotions Jack might stir in her, nothing would change. She’d still be married off to Ezekiel, and she’d try to do her best to achieve the destiny she’d been born to fulfill.
Still, this was...nice. With another man, she might have felt the urge to chatter, to fill the silence with sound so her nervousness didn’t strengthen. With him, she felt calm, at peace, relaxed.
“I’m just learning my way around here,” he finally said. “And I don’t know a lot of people yet. Since I sort of know you, I thought I’d ask if you’d mind giving me a tour.”
She eyed him, hoping her expression didn’t reveal the way her heart skipped a beat. “I’d heard you were living with Phillip,” she teased. “Why haven’t you asked him?”
“Ouch.” He put his hand to his heart, as if her words had physically wounded him, which made her smile. “He’s been really helpful—over and above, actually. He tried to teach me how to do carpentry work, even though I wasn’t all that good at it. I thought I’d give him a break.”
Continuing to hold his gaze, she nodded. “That makes sense. But you worked really hard today. Do you want to wait until you’re more rested?”
“No,” he answered. “Unless you’re too tired.”
Again she found herself suppressing a grin. “Come with me. I’ll give you the grand tour.” And then, despite shock at her own daring, she held out her hand, aware she might be making a huge mistake. Oddly enough, she didn’t care. She felt brave and bold and hopeful. And more alive than she had in months, maybe years.
After one quick, startled glance, he took it, his large hand completely engulfing her small fingers. The simple, friendly gesture felt more intimate than it should. So much so that she almost jerked her hand away.
She wondered if he thought her so innocent that she believed holding hands meant nothing. But since he continued to hold on, she had to believe that he liked it, too.
His fingers were rough, the skin newly callused. A testament to the hours he’d spent learning his new trade before being reassigned to the medical clinic. She knew, even if he didn’t, that everyone had been furtively watching him, and the gossip had flowed as the women wondered how long before he sought a mate.
It wasn’t often that someone from the outside joined their group. The mere fact that Thomas had brought him inside meant Jack had been specifically chosen.
His handsome features, broad shoulders and muscular arms hadn’t gone unnoticed, either. And Sophia hadn’t been able to figure out why she felt a tiny little pang of possessiveness every time someone mentioned him with longing. As if he were hers.
Which he never would be.
They walked that way silently for a few minutes. If she’d thought about this beforehand, she’d have thought one of them would grow uncomfortable. After all, they barely knew each other.
Yet the quiet they shared felt like contentment. She was sensible enough to recognize that this could be dangerous. “We can’t let this become a habit,” she said.
“Really?” he teased. “Why not? Are there rules about two friends walking together?”
The reasons all stuck in her throat. Not only did she already understand she couldn’t think of him as much more than a friend, but she was engaged, about to be married. She was so lost in thought, she didn’t respond.
“Is there any reason why two friends aren’t allowed to exercise together?” he persisted. “I know I’m male and you’re female, but it isn’t like we’re lovers or anything.”
Lovers. An electric shock went through her. He had no idea she was a virgin, still untouched and unwanted at the ripe old age of twenty-four.
And she suspected lovemaking with Jack would definitely be something amazing and wonderful. Again, she thought of Deirdre’s words and her own longing for a child. Still, not only would that not be fair to Ezekiel, but what about Jack? She could never use him to father a child he wouldn’t even know he had.
She wasn’t that type of person. Yet her fingers were still intertwined with his. Slowly, she pulled her hand free.
“What?” he asked, giving her a sideways glance. “Are you all right?”
She nodded, wishing she could stop blushing around him. “I’m fine.”
“Then let’s keep going. Walking in the fresh air will be good for us. Don’t read more into it than it actually is.”
“Yes,” she said, surprising herself. “You’re right. Let’s go for a walk.”
This time, she kept her hands close to her sides so she didn’t do something foolish, like reach for him. Under any other circumstances, she would have given him enough hints to let him know that, if he wanted to court her, she’d welcome his advances.
Imagining Jack as her beau filled her with a mixture of savage joy and sorrow.
She had a little time left until her marriage. What would be the harm in pretending, just to herself? She’d just need to make sure Jack never caught on. Or anyone else, for that matter.
They began their stroll as she always did, heading toward the barn so she could see the livestock.
“You know,” Jack said, looking around. “Where are all the children? I never see any running around or playing.”
“They have organized playtimes,” she told him. “Once during the school day and for one hour after. My roommate Rachel is one of the teachers.”
Silently, he considered her words. “Interesting,” he replied.
In response, she only nodded.
“So how did you and Ezekiel meet and fall in love?” he asked.
“What?” She glanced at him to make sure he wasn’t teasing. But no, his expression appeared to be serious. Then she realized he truly didn’t know.
“I haven’t ever met Ezekiel,” she responded, and then waited for the questions that were sure to come.
“You’re joking, right?” His expression darkened.
“Nope.”
He stared at her, frowning. “Then how did you become engaged? Don’t tell me it’s one of those arranged-marriage type things, where your parents promised you to him at birth. It isn’t, is it?”
She wasn’t entirely sure how to answer that. With the truth, she supposed. “Not exactly. Apparently, Ezekiel saw me and decided he wanted me for his next wife. And what Ezekiel wants, he gets.” Her words sounded bleak. But, truthfully, in her darkest of hearts, she felt that way. “I’ll be the newest of his many wives.”
“Wives?” he asked. “How many does he have, exactly? And how does he get away with that?”
She sighed. “I forget sometimes you came from outside. I have no idea how many women he has, but I think there are at least twenty, maybe more. And since Ezekiel is the Anointed One and is our leader, he is able to make his own rules.”
Still, Jack appeared thoughtful. “Is every man in COE allowed to have more than one wife?”
“Of course not,” she scoffed, even though she realized his question made sense. “At first, I think Ezekiel took several wives as a way to spread his seed. He has children and grandchildren and even a great-grandchild or two.”
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