She glanced up at him with that look that sent warm currents through him. Will you have a talk with Josh and explain some of this to him? He wont listen to me.
Chapter Four
The seconds crawled by as Emma held her breath, waiting for Jakes answer.
His expression went blank, and he stared at his leg propped up on an ottoman. All I can tell him is how I handled it. I dont know if that would work for him or not.
Ill have you to dinner and you can talk to him. Anything you can tell him is better than nothing. He shuts me out. I dont know what else to do. She hated the desperate tone in her words.
I cant come to your house for dinner. I dont want you going
How about I bring the dinner here? Ill throw in fresh-baked bread, too.
Shaking his head, he chuckled. You dont give up, do you?
No, stubborn is one of the traits I need to work on. When would you like me to bring dinner?
He pressed his lips together, forming a tight, thin line, then said, Do you work on Saturday?
Hope flared in Emma. I work at the Caring Canines Foundation until the early afternoon. Saturday night would be good for me. How about six-thirty?
He nodded, then began looking through the pages of the yearbook. Halfway through the book, he tapped a picture. Thats the smallest one of the three.
Emma moved to glance over his shoulder at the photo. Carson McNeil. He was in the same class last year with Josh. I dont think theyre in the same one this year. His family goes to my church. Josh and Carson were friends at one time. I cant believe hes part of the group.
Let me see if I can recognize the other two. Jake continued turning the pages and scanning each child until he pointed to another one in sixth grade.
She leaned forward to read the boys name. Sean Phillips. I havent heard of him. She got a whiff of Jakes lime aftershave and pulled back, realizing how close she was to him. Her heart raced.
She retook her seat while he continued his search for the third kid. Catching herself staring at him, she dragged her attention away and scanned the living room, taking in the decor. Focusing on anything but the man across from her. As in the kitchen she saw his grandmothers touches in the knickknacks, a quilt thrown over the back of the couch and a myriad of pictures on the wall. She didnt see anything of Jake other than a photo of him on the wall in his dress uniform with his arm around his petite, white-haired grandma. Was this a place he would recuperate then move on?
The sound of Jake closing the book drew her away from her survey and back to him. The third one wasnt in there?
Not that I could tell, but then I didnt get a good look at him. He was the first to run off.
With Sean and Carsons names, I have something to go on.
What do you plan to do?
Im not sure. I guess I need to talk with these boys parents, then see what happens. When his eyes darkened, she asked, What would you do?
He stiffened. All emotions fled his face.
Never mind. I shouldnt have asked you. This isnt your problem. She started to rise.
Sighing, he waved her down. Since you know Carsons family, I would start with him. But Josh needs to know what youre doing.
I know. Thats the part I dread more than talking to the parents. Why not Seans? Hes more likely the one behind the attack.
I noticed hes older, in the sixth grade. Youre probably right. That means either he or the unknown boy is the leader. Not Carson. You have a better chance of getting something from Carson, and since you go to the same church and know his parents, they may step in. Jake massaged his left thigh above the knee.
I think so. Sandy McNeil and I are friends. Weve lost touch these past couple of years since Carson and Josh arent playing together the way they used to, but I cant imagine her condoning what her sons doing.
But you cant say that about the other parents. Start with the known first.
A clock somewhere in the house chimed seven times. Emma glanced at her watch and bolted to her feet. Ive overstayed my visit. I need to get dinner on the table.
Im sure Ill enjoy my supper. It beats opening a can of soup. Scooping up his cane, he struggled to stand.
As she watched him, she forced herself to remain still and not try to assist him. That would be the last thing this man wanted. He needed to feel he could do it on his own. But that didnt make the urge to help any less strong. She was here because of Ben, but she would stay because she wanted to.
At the front door, Emma waited until he came nearer before saying, Thanks for looking at the photos. The more I know about what Josh is going through, the better Im equipped to help him.
His features softened as he looked at her. I hope everything goes okay when you talk to Josh about Carson and Sean. I doubt hell be too happy.
No, hell be angry at me. But Im his mother, and Ill do what I have to to protect him.
Hell appreciate it one day.
Just not today, Emma said with a grin. Well see you Saturday night. She turned to open the door but paused. Oh, what do you like to eat?
His eyes gleamed. Surprise me.
Then no big dislikes or allergies?
Nope. I do have one request.
Hand on knob, she glanced at him. What?
Bring Shep with you.
*
Emmas mouth dropped open. Her large blue eyes fixed on Jake. Surprise flitted across her face. Youre going to take Shep?
I dont know. Id like to see if we can get along first. If thats okay with you.
She grinned. Sure. If you two dont connect, then he cant do his job. But I know you will. You wont regret it.
The sparkle in her gaze lured him toward her. I have my doubts, but I hope you prove me wrong. After the last nightmare in a string of many, Jake had to do something. Here at home he could control a lot of his environment, but when he went to sleep, he couldnt choose his dreams. If a service dog could help him with that, great. If not, then at least he tried.
Sliding her hand into the pocket of her light jacket, Emma looked up. I almost forgot. Ive written Bens number on this card for you. He wants you to call him when youre ready, and if you have any questions about a service dog, you can ask me or him.
Jake took the phone number, not sure if he would. Thanks. See you Saturday.
If you change your mind about picking something special to eat, my numbers on the card, too. I wont shop until early Saturday afternoon.
He clasped the edge of the door as she moved out onto the porch. Her lavender scent lingered in the air. For a second he didnt want her to leave. She descended the steps and strolled down the sidewalk, stopping to wave to him. He waved back.
As he closed his door, he decided he wouldnt call Ben. It was one thing to admit he had a problem, but totally different to talk with someone about it. He wasnt there yet. Wasnt sure if he ever would be. He couldnt put what was happening to him in words, so how could he talk to anyone about it?
He was committed only to spending some time on Saturday night with the German shepherd, Emma and Josh. No more than that. Other than Marcella from next door and a few delivery people, no one else had been in this house until Emma. In less than a week, hed seen her more than anyone lately.
He should keep his distance. He was in no condition to get involved with anyone, even as a friend. But while he didnt have much to give another, the thought of not seeing Emma on Saturday churned his gut.
*
On Saturday morning, Emma stood at the back door at the Caring Canines Foundation facilities and watched her son and Madi play with a few of the dogs in the fenced-in recreation area. A beautiful fall day still held a chill in the air, but the sun beamed down and would soon burn off the last of the fog
rolling over Winter Haven Ranch.
Josh is so good with the animals, Abbey said as she came up behind Emma.
So is Madi. Maybe when we get old and gray, theyll take over the foundation.
Dont forget Nicholas. He may be only a couple of months old, but hes already responding to the animals.
Abbeys son is such a happy baby. It made Emma want another child.
Dominic and I have been talking about having another child soon so theyll be close in age. I want a little girl.
Emma hugged her best friend. That would be great. I know how much you miss your daughter. Lisa, her daughter by her first marriage, had died at five.
You know how scared I was when I was pregnant with Nicholas. Maybe I shouldnt risk having another.
Emma held up her hand. Shh. You arent to think like that. Turn this over to God and dont worry. It doesnt do you any good.
I know. Abbey sighed. Lets talk about you for a while. What are you preparing for Jake tonight?
Emma shrugged. I dont know. He was no help at all. What if I fix something he doesnt like?
Laughing, Abbey shook her forefinger. No. No. Didnt you just tell me not to worry?
Emmas cheeks burned. I didnt say I always follow my own advice.
You cook what you and Josh will enjoy. I have a feeling Jake will like it, too. If not, he had his chance to get what he wanted. What I really want to know is did you say anything to Josh last night about Carson and Sean?
Emma lowered her gaze. Yesterday shed rehearsed with Abbey how she was going to tell Josh. No. The right time didnt present itself.
You chickened out.
No, he came home from school in a bad mood. I didnt want to make it worse.
Shh. Here come Josh and Madi. You better say something before this evening. Abbey lowered her voice. Isnt the point of the dinner with Jaketo have him help Josh? That wont happen if Josh doesnt know whats going on.
I know.
It was one reason for seeing Jake again. But equally important, she wanted Jake to work with Shep. There was something about the man that caused her to think of him at odd moments throughout the day. Last night she had even dreamed about him. They were in the park throwing a ball for Shep to fetch. Then she remembered why shed awakened suddenly. Her son had been there grinning, happy. The scene gave her a feeling of family. She mentally shook herself. She would help Jake, but she wasnt looking for anything beyond friendship.
Are you ready to go? Im supposed to be at Craigs in half an hour, Josh said, stopping in front of her.
Yes, I have to go to the grocery store and then start dinner.
Do I hafta go tonight? Im sure I could stay with Craig.
Id hoped youd help me convince Mr. Tanner to take Shep.
Okay. I guess I can since he helped me last Saturday. Josh headed inside with Madi, the two talking about the new terrier.
Smooth. He has no idea what youre really doing, Abbey whispered close to Emmas ear.
Hush, Emma said, then louder she called out to the little girl, Hey, Madi. Whats the terriers name? Ill start training her next week.
Abbeys sister-in-law turned around. Buttons. Josh and me decided that today.
See you all tomorrow at church. Emma followed her son out to her gray PT Cruiser. If she was going to say anything to him, she had to now while she could focus on the conversation rather than driving. Inside her car, she shifted to face Josh in the front passenger seat. Ive discovered the names of two of the boys who attacked you last weekend.
He grew rigid. Who?
Carson ONeil and Sean Phillips. Its only a matter of time before I find out who the third guy is. You might as well tell me.
His blue eyes became big and round, fear inching into them. No. I cant. And you cant say anything to anyone about Carson and Sean. Promise me, Mom.
They really have you scared. How? Why?
Because theyre mean.
Carson? He used to be a friend of yours.
Well, hes not anymore. He thinks Sean and… His eyes bored into her. Oh, never mind. You dont care about me. If you say anything to their parents or them, itll only get worse for me. Is that what you want?
Conflicting emotions crammed her throat, making it impossible to reply. Her stomach roiled with frustration and her own fear she wouldnt be able to help her son with this problem. But Joshs anguish pierced her. She felt so inadequate to make everything all right for him. He and his father had had such a close relationship. Sam would have known the right thing to do in this situation.
She straightened behind the steering wheel and started the engine. Im friends with Carsons mother. Ill start there, and if theres any backlash, I want to know about it. As she pulled away from Caring Canines, she glanced at Josh.
Turned away from her, he stared out the side window, his left hand opening and closing.
Josh?
Sure. Why dont you follow me around? That oughta work and alert everyone in school my mother fights my battles.
If I could to protect you, I would. I know you have to learn to deal with these boys, but you may need help.
With his back still to her, he ran his hands through his brown hair. How did ya find out their names?
I have my resources.
Which friend snitched?
She didnt want to tell him Jake identified the two in the yearbook, but she didnt want her child angry at his friends. He needed them. For a few seconds, she thought of lying, but that never worked and would only make the situation worse. Mr. Tanner.
Josh twisted around. How? He didnt know their names.
I brought him your yearbook, and he found them in it.
Silence reigned the rest of the way to Craigs house, and the frosty atmosphere underscored how mad her son was. The second she stopped, Josh thrust open the door and hurried toward his friends place.
Ill pick you up at six-twenty, Emma yelled. She would call Craigs mother and let her know.
Now more than ever she needed Jake to help her son cope with the bullying. If her son would even talk to him.
*
Saturday night, carrying a cardboard box full of the food for dinner, Emma approached Jakes house with her son shuffling his feet at least three yards behind her. She set the meal down on the porch and waited for Josh who led Shep on a leash. Other than telling her again he didnt want to come to Mr. Tanners, he said nothing in the car when she picked him up at Craigs.
I expect you to use appropriate behavior tonight.
Joshs bottom lip stuck out farther. Its none of his business.
The minute he stepped in and helped you it became his business. Its like a person witnessing a crime. He has an obligation to come forward and report it. Thats the right thing to do. And beating up someone, especially three to one is wrong. If adults do that to one another, they are charged with a crime and jailed.
Cant you trust me to handle my own problems? I dont butt in with yours.
Guess what? Im your mom and thats part of my duty as a parent. She rang the doorbell then scooped up the box. She was beginning to think it was a bad idea including Josh, but she wanted Jake to help her son.
When Jake let them inside, Emma fixed a bright smile on her face, determined to go ahead with her plans, even if her son wasnt cooperating. In the past Josh rarely held a grudge long, but lately hed changed so she had no idea how he would act with Jake.
Its nice to see you again, Josh, Jake said as he closed the front door, his back to them.
Which was a good thing because her son scowled. Emma clasped his shoulder and squeezed gently. Joshs expression morphed into a neutral one.
Jake swung around. Ive been anticipating a home
-cooked meal all day.
Emma smiled, hoping it would cover the fact her child wasnt being too friendly. Im going to put this enchilada casserole in your oven to reheat. Josh, why dont you show Mr. Tanner some of the things Shep does in the backyard?
Displeased by that suggestion, her son huffed and headed to the back door with Shep in tow.
As Emma put the salad bowl in the refrigerator, Jake moved to her and waited until the back door clicked closed. He knows I pointed out the boys in the yearbook?
Emma nodded, her throat thick.
Did something happen between Josh and them?
She faced him, just a few inches of space between them. Her heartbeat kicked up a notch. No, not that I know of. I havent done anything about the two boys yet. Im going to talk to Carsons mother tomorrow. I thought I would see her after church. Find out what she thinks, especially about Sean. I wanted Josh to know before I did it.
And he wanted to know how you found out? No emotions indicated what Jake was feeling.
Yes, Im sorry. I didnt want him to know, but I cant lie to my son. If you want us to go home, Ill leave the food and well take off.
No. You went to a lot of trouble to cook a meal for us. Besides, its time I have a talk with your son if you still want me to. Avoiding this wont solve any problems, either.
You dont mind? She inhaled a deep breath, laced with his lime aftershave.
Your son needs help. The second I decided to break up the fight I made that decision. Bullies shouldnt be tolerated. If something isnt done now, itll only get worse. He started for the back door.
Jake, she said. When he glanced at her, she continued, I didnt think you wanted to get involved. What changed your mind?
His gaze was riveted to hers. Intense. Compelling. You.
Her Holiday Hero Page 5