by JoAnn Durgin
“Don’t be afraid to reach out and grab what you want from life,” Sam told her, rising. “Let me walk you back to the dorm. I can’t walk away and leave you out here by yourself. There might be a wolf in sheep’s clothing lurking about somewhere.” He held out one hand and helped her to her feet.
“Josh is gone so you don’t have to worry. I’m sorry,” she said a moment later, shaking her head with regret. “That comment was mean-spirited. I shouldn’t have said it.”
“It’s okay. You’re right. I pray that Josh is getting the help he needs. He’s a good guy, but he just has a problem. Don’t we all?”
Lexa detected more than a touch of irony. “Surely you don’t have problems, Mr. Lewis.” She forced her tone to be light and teasing although her heart felt like deadweight all of a sudden.
Sam didn’t answer, but walked along in the dark, kicking up dust with every slow step. He certainly wasn’t in any hurry to leave her company, and in fact, seemed to dawdle purposely to keep it a little while longer. As they neared the dorm, Sam grabbed Lexa’s hand, pulling her to the side of the building and into his arms. She could feel his heart beating, strong and sure, as he held her so close she thought he might topple them both.
“I don’t want to lose you,” Sam murmured, his lips on the top of her head. “I don’t think our goals, our dreams, are all that different. Ultimately, I want those same things, too. I guess I just need to work some of this wanderlust out of my system first. If you don’t want to go, I understand.” Pulling back and looking down at her, he sighed. “All I ask is that you wait for me. Can you do that?”
“Oh, Sam,” Lexa croaked, overcome with emotion. Raising her arms and then letting them fall awkwardly to her sides, she stared at him, her expression helpless. Her arms ached from wanting to hold and be held, but she couldn’t.
“A year isn’t the end of the world, you know,” he continued in a quiet voice, filling the void caused by her hesitation. Taking her hands in his, Sam kissed her fingers like he’d done the day in his office when she’d told him about Sheila and Howard.
“I’ll have a little time in Houston before I find out my assignment with TeamWork. We can spend some time together, get to know each other better. Then we’ll take things a day at a time after that. I’ll make it work between us.” Stepping closer and reaching out to cup her face in one hand, Sam gazed at her with what Lexa could only call love in his shining eyes.
“Two hearts designed by God meant to find one another will find each other, Lexa, no matter what.”
Overcome with emotion, Lexa nodded, swallowing her tears. “No matter what?” she repeated, looking back up at him.
Sam nodded. “No matter what,” he whispered, leaning over to plant the softest kiss in the world on her forehead. His lips grazed her skin like a feathery brush, and Lexa leaned into the kiss. But as soon as he kissed her, it was over and he walked away, faster now.
Wrapping her arms about her, Lexa watched as he walked across the campsite to his own private quarters behind the office. It was almost as though Sam knew she was watching. When he reached the door, he turned and looked back at her. Reaching a hand up to his temple, he saluted. Lexa kissed her fingers and blew it in his direction. Although she couldn’t be sure, Lexa thought she saw him smile.
CHAPTER 36
Plans were underway for a farewell party scheduled the night before most of the volunteers were due to depart. Somehow, Lexa was on the list of party organizers even though she didn’t remember signing up. One of the other girls must have added her name to the list. Not that she minded.
Lexa glanced down at the list of needed supplies. “Looks like we’ll need a lift into town later today.” She caught Winnie’s knowing grin. Finding reasons to visit Sam in his office had kept her preoccupied the last few days. Even if he sensed she was making up excuses to see him, she didn’t care. Finding her time with TeamWork drawing to a close, she wanted every precious second with Sam to count. The thought of not being around him anymore made her extremely sad.
Sam’s words about their being together if it was meant to be and designed by God reverberated in her mind. She loved Sam Lewis. She had no more doubts about that particular issue. And Sam must think he loved her since he’d asked her to join him with TeamWork, and then asked her to wait for him.
But, the fact remained that Sam had never spoken the words aloud, never told her he loved her. Lexa ached to hear the words. But even if he told her he loved her, she wasn’t going to change her mind about going with him. Maybe he was the type of man who’d never be settled enough to marry, never be content to stay in one place for long. Somehow, though, Lexa’s heart wouldn’t allow her to believe it.
“Winnie, Natalie and I need to go into town sometime tonight, if possible, to get supplies for the farewell party,” she announced after entering Sam’s office late one afternoon.
Looking up from his paperwork, Sam shook his head. “Afraid I can’t, Lexa.” Shaking his head, he ran a hand through his hair. His voice was bothered, distracted. Removing his glasses, he rubbed his tired eyes.
“No, you can’t or no you won’t?” she teased.
“Very funny. I’m afraid I really can’t, as tempting an offer as it is.” Standing, Sam pushed aside the papers in the middle of his desk and faced her. His eyes were full of worry and his brow was furrowed.
“What’s wrong?” Lexa hoped he’d share whatever made him so agitated.
“Something’s wrong with the figures,” he murmured, shaking his head again. “The numbers aren’t adding up.”
“What do you mean?”
“Someone’s pilfering money from the safe.”
“I can’t believe that!” She didn’t bother hiding her shock. There was a thief among them in the TeamWork camp? She moved closer. “I don’t want to think anyone here at the camp would stoop to petty thievery. How much is missing?”
Sam retrieved his glasses and studied the ledger. “About five hundred dollars. At least I don’t keep too much here in the safe on the premises. Most of it is in the temporary bank account I set up in the city.”
Lexa shook her head. “How many people know about the safe, know the combination?”
“Just myself and a couple of the guys. Unfortunately, Josh was one of the guys.”
“How long has the money been missing?”
Sam shrugged. “I’m not exactly sure. If you’re wondering if Josh could have taken it, it’s possible. But Josh isn’t dishonest. And as far as I know, he doesn’t need money. I’m the first to admit that I’m not the most meticulous person when it comes to checking and counting the money on a daily basis. At least in that area, I’m perhaps too trusting.” He glanced up at her before returning his focus to the ledger.
“Oh, Lexa.” Sam’s shoulders slumped under the weight of his burden. “What am I going to do? If I call TeamWork and tell them I’ve lost the money, they probably won’t reassign me anywhere else, at least as a director. This will only prove to them that I’m not responsible enough for a higher position.”
“Excuse me for asking, but do you have to serve as a director?”
Sam frowned. “No,” he said, drawing out his words, “I don’t have to be a director, but it’s a right I’ve earned and I enjoy it. But that’s not the point.” His voice was brusque. Lexa swallowed and lowered her gaze.
Strolling over to the tall filing cabinet, Sam stretched out his elbow and leaned back against it. “With only three days left in the camp, I’ll have to work fast to solve this mystery. As if I even have time for something like this.” Sitting behind the desk, he lowered his head onto his hands, but not before Lexa saw the bewilderment etched into his face. His shoulders sagged.
“Let me help you.” Lexa walked over to his desk and planted her palms flat, leaning closer. “I want to help,” she reiterated, willing him to look up at her. She waited until he raised his head.
“Thanks, but I don’t want to involve you in something like this. It’s my fault the mo
ney’s gone, and now I have to be the one to straighten it out.” The worry line surfaced between his brows.
“Fine,” she snapped, heading for the door. “But I don’t know why you think you can do everything yourself. It wouldn’t hurt you to let somebody else help you every now and then, you know.” She shoved open the screen door and heard something slam across Sam’s desk as she departed.
“Here,” he called when she was a few hundred yards away.
Turning back around, she managed to catch the keys Sam tossed into her hands.
“Take the car to get your supplies. Only problem is, I can’t reimburse you right away. Keep your receipts, and give them to me when you get back.”
“Aye, aye sir.” Lexa gave him a mock salute.
“I’m sorry, Lexa.” Standing just outside the office, hands in the pockets of his shorts, Sam gave her a helpless look. “I didn’t mean to bark at you, but I’ve got to think this thing through. When you get back later, come see me. I’ll try to think of some way you can help. We’ll figure out a plan. Together.” His words warmed her heart.
Lexa clasped the keys tighter in the palm of her hand and smiled. “Thanks.”
Sam stood only a foot away, great tenderness in his eyes. “Don’t tell anyone about this. It’ll be our little secret. I don’t want anyone else to know the money’s missing. Maybe the person who took it is still in the camp and will try to make another move. Maybe I can toss out subtle clues there might be some extra money hidden in the safe in the next couple of days, and see if anyone makes a move.”
“See,” Lexa told him, pride in her voice, “that brilliant mind of yours is already formulating a master plan.”
He grinned. “You ain’t seen nothin’ yet, sweetheart.” The drawl was exaggerated.
“Sam?”
“Hmm?” he asked, turning back around, returning her grin.
“Your glasses make you look . . . very distinguished and scholarly. I really like them.” And made him altogether appealing. Best not to tell him that little fact, though.
Sam laughed quietly. “Thanks. Guess I fooled you. I’ll see you when you get back. Take care of the old bomb, though, will you please?”
Lexa laughed, turning to go. “Promise.”
~~**~~
“I certainly hope one of us has a Triple A card. I don’t know about you all, and no offense, Lexa, but I’d feel a lot better if Sam had driven us himself in this old bomb,” Natalie grumbled, nonetheless climbing into the back seat of the station wagon a couple of hours later following dinner. “I’m surprised Sam even let you drive. He always insists on driving.”
Natalie was right. Not since Shelby had he allowed anyone else to drive. “Relax. The old bomb will get us there and back.” She grinned at Winnie as she slid into the passenger seat. For good measure, Lexa patted the dashboard as she’d seen Sam do.
“You sound awfully confident,” Winnie commented.
“You have to be,” Lexa muttered under her breath, inserting the key into the ignition with a silent prayer. The car’s engine started with a roar. After a minimum of sputtering, it was ready to roll. The three girls chatted about the plans for the farewell party as Lexa drove them in the direction of a party store on the outskirts of the city.
“We need a gift for Sam,” Natalie spoke up from the back a few miles down the road. “Any suggestions?”
“Hmm,” Lexa mused. “Let me think about that one unless Winnie has any suggestions.”
“Are we talking gag gift or serious?” Winnie twisted around in the passenger seat.
In the rearview mirror, Lexa saw Natalie shrug. “Whichever. I just need some ideas. We can get something tonight or else come back into town before the party.”
“How about one of those Indiana Jones-type hats?” Lexa suggested after a few moments of silence passed. “Since he’s going to work full-time for TeamWork.” She was safe suggesting it since Sam announced his plans a few days ago to the group-at-large. “You know how he likes to wear his cowboy hat, so it’s not like he hates hats or anything.”
On her way out of the dorm, Lexa had tucked her credit card into her wallet. It might come in handy in case she happened to find just the right hat for Sam. Whether or not anyone else contributed to the cost, she’d just tell Sam the gift came from the entire crew.
“He’d look really good in one of those.” Natalie sounded pleased with the suggestion.
“I think you’re right. They can get rather expensive if we get the real thing, but if everyone pitches in, we should have more than enough for a really good one,” Winnie agreed, nodding her head enthusiastically. “Sam certainly deserves something really terrific. Great idea, Lexa. Let’s keep our eyes peeled. I know I’ve seen lots of hats in some of the area shops, so it shouldn’t be too hard. The only challenge might be finding a store that’s still open.”
Winnie glanced down at her watch, triggering another idea in Lexa’s mind. Sam needed a new watch. Maybe that was something she could get. Was it appropriate for her to give Sam such a personal gift? Considering the uncertain state of her relationship with Sam at the moment, she wasn’t sure. Still, the man needed one for his overseas mission.
Two hours later, the three girls pulled back into the camp to find a flurry of excitement and activity. The bonfire devotions had just ended, and groups of young people stood clustered, animated, talking amongst themselves.
“What’s going on?” Lexa asked the first group of volunteers she approached. She carried Sam’s hat and new watch in a bag under her arm.
“Someone’s missing. One of the volunteers,” a girl standing on the edge of the circle told her.
“Really? Who is it?” Lexa shifted the bag and glanced over at Winnie to see if she’d also heard.
“Some girl. Sheila something.”
CHAPTER 37
“Oh, no. Where’s Sam?” Lexa put a quick hand on the girl’s arm to grab her attention.
“I’m not sure,” came the vague reply.
Hurrying over to the dorm, Lexa stuffed the bag beneath her bed, shoving it way under. She prayed the same thief who’d taken the money from the safe in Sam’s office wasn’t watching her now. Darting a furtive glance around the dorm, Lexa wiped her dusty hands on a nearby towel.
Oh Sheila, where are you? Her bed was as neat as ever. Sheila was always so quiet and blended into the background. That’s the way she liked things, not wanting to make waves or cause problems. Except the day Lexa walked in to find Sheila’s husband fleeing the dorm. Howard had made her uneasy. If it was true that Sheila was missing, Lexa suspected the burly man no doubt had everything to do with her quiet roommate’s disappearance.
Her heart pounding, Lexa walked outside, her eyes scanning the gathered crowd for any sign of Sam. In the background, she heard small group leaders making plans to break apart and canvas the area. In Search of Sheila. It sounded like the name of a book or a spy novel. Missing money and now a missing person . . . were they connected? If they were, it might eliminate Josh as a suspect regarding the missing money. That thought brought a small measure of relief. Lexa didn’t want to think Josh was a thief, too. He had enough problems.
Spotting Rebekah, Lexa hurried over to the tall blonde. “Beck, what’s going on?” She caught up and walked alongside her. “I hear Sheila’s missing. Please tell me it’s not true.”
Turning to face her, Rebekah stopped, her expression grim. “Afraid so. One of the men saw her with some big guy a couple of hours ago. You and I both know it was Howard. He thinks Howard may have been forcibly making Sheila leave the campsite against her will. He feels horrible and wishes he’d done something more to help her.” Her eyes traveled to Lexa. “But he didn’t.” She shook her head. “So much for our watch plan.”
Lexa frowned. “Any idea where Sam is?” She hastened to keep up with Rebekah’s much longer stride.
“I’m hoping he’s in his office.” A minute later, they stood outside the office. Knocking a few times with no response, Rebek
ah bit her lower lip and shrugged. “Seems he’s missing, too, at least for the moment.”
Lexa frowned. “You don’t think Sam’s gone to search for Sheila all by himself, do you?”
Rebekah shook her head. “I doubt it, but who knows? I suppose anything’s possible at this point.”
“Maybe he’s gone to the police,” Lexa suggested. “Although I don’t know what good that would do. The police couldn’t do anything, anyway, unless Sheila’s been missing longer than twenty-four hours.” The two stood talking in low tones outside of Sam’s office.
As if on cue, Sam hurried around the corner of the office. His eyes lit when he spied them, and he nodded. “Evening.” He unlocked the door and stood aside. “Come in and have a seat.” He sat down behind his desk, linking his hands behind his head, leaning back.
“This is a familiar scene. I don’t know about you, but I’m just about ready for this particular camp to be over.” His voice dripped sarcasm, and he shook his head. “Since it’s the two of you, I don’t mind admitting I’m not sure how much more I can take.”
Lexa’s heart swelled, and she gave Sam a reassuring smile. “Can you tell us what’s happening now?”
He blew out a breath and sat up straight, clasping his hands together on top of the desk. “As I’m sure you’ve heard, Sheila’s missing. I’m convinced Howard Morris has taken her somewhere against her will. I seriously doubt she’d go anywhere willingly with him.” His words were clipped and concise. “Howard’s not after Sheila. He’s after their daughter.”