by Toni Shiloh
He heaved, his breath coming in ragged burst of air. It wasn’t fair. It wasn’t right. No one was taking his side. “I need to go.”
Evan grabbed his crutches and began protesting, but Guy walked away without a backward glance.
Chapter Thirty-Three
Michelle sat across from Tanya and leaned forward. “No matter what the verdict, we’ll get through it, okay?”
Tanya nodded, blinking rapidly. Michelle could see the tears hovering, but the girl was strong. “Thanks for all you’ve done, Boss.”
She smiled, no longer irritated by the nomenclature. She knew Tanya meant it as a sign of respect. “No problem. Thank you for teaching me about compassion.”
Tanya pointed to herself. “How did I do that?”
She sighed. “I hated drunk drivers until you forced me to come to terms with it. I had to let the bitterness go. You taught me compassion. Thank you.”
Tanya cleared her throat. “Anytime.”
The prosecutor opened the breakroom door. “The judge is back.”
Michelle looked up and thanked him. They rose and headed back to court. She tried to appear calm but her stomach was rolling uncontrollably. She had never wanted to win a case so badly. Lord, please help. Please let the judge rule not guilty.
They stood as the Judge entered and settled in the chair. He looked at Michelle then at the D.A. “This has been an interesting case, to say the least. I had to do a double take when I saw you sitting with the defendant, Ms. Thomas.”
She nodded in acknowledgement although she wanted to throw up from the nerves. Would he get to the point? Why did all judges feel the need to pontificate before giving their verdicts?
“I appreciate the professionalism you both brought to this court room. After hearing the evidence and reviewing all information provided, I have come to a decision regarding the charges.”
She inhaled.
“For the charge of involuntary vehicular manslaughter, I find the defendant not guilty.”
She closed her eyes.
“For the charge of vehicular manslaughter, I find the defendant not guilty.”
Thank You, God.
“For the charge of operating a vehicle while intoxicated, I find the defendant guilty.”
She glanced at Tanya to give her a look of reassurance. She was pale but strength shined in her eyes.
The judge took off his glasses and looked at Tanya. “Ms. Bledsoe, I read how you were willing to plead guilty in the preliminary hearing. It’s my opinion that this case should have never gone to trial. The D.A. should have taken the plea.”
He glared at the prosecutor then turned back to their table. “Considering your past history and your willingness to own up to your mistake, this court fines you one thousand dollars and we order you to seek psychiatric help regarding any lingering depression you may have.” He banged his gavel. “Court is adjourned.”
Michelle’s shoulder dropped in relief. She turned and gave Tanya a hug. “I’m so happy for you.”
“Thank you so much,” she whispered as tears ran down her face. “How can I ever repay you.”
She shook her head. “Not necessary. As of today, you no longer need to pay me any fees.” She grinned. “You’ll need to pay your fine instead.”
Tanya chuckled. “I’ll gladly pay it since I won’t be going to jail.”
“Amen to that.”
They laughed all the way outside.
THE SOUND OF THE DOORBELL surprised Michelle. Then again, it’s not like it would be Guy. He hadn’t answered any of her phone calls or texts. It seemed their relationship was over before it had truly begun. She sighed and opened the door.
“Hello, Michelle.”
She blinked. “Mrs. Pierre.”
“May I come in?”
“Sure, sorry.”
She stepped back trying to keep the panic at bay. Had Guy told her about their conversation? She bit her lip. What did Mrs. Pierre think of her? Her palms grew clammy as she realized Mrs. Pierre was probably here for that very reason.
His mother stared at her as if waiting for something.
“Would you like something to drink?”
“No. I...” her voice as she fiddled with the strap of her purse. “I wanted to come and apologize.”
Michelle’s eyebrows rose. She was sure if she looked in the mirror they’d be touching the start of her hairline. “Apologize for what?”
“For that day you came to me. You were looking for help, and I sent you away. I was bitter and considered you the reason why my son had left. I should not have taken my anger out on you. You were still a child back then.”
She stepped forward. “Mrs. Pierre, you have nothing to apologize for. If it weren’t for me—
“No, say no more. My son has to own up to his part in the whole mess.” She gathered her breath. “He told me what happened. Why you came looking for him.” Her eyes watered. “I am sorry that I did not offer you guidance or help.”
Michelle couldn’t believe what she was hearing. She was the one who had messed up, yet Mrs. Pierre was asking for her forgiveness? “Mrs. Pierre, really it’s not your fault. I have to own up to my own mistakes as well.”
Mrs. Pierre grabbed her hands. “Child. For that is what you are. You are younger, I am older. I should have been wiser, more.... more rational. I was not and because I was not, you didn’t feel comfortable sharing your pain with me. Yes, you have to own up to your mistakes, but taking the courage to tell my boy shows that you are ready to move forward. You chose the truth even knowing it may not end well.”
Truth.
It was what God had been after. For her to be honest, not just with others, but with herself and it was time to stop running from it. God loved her no matter what. He truly did want to work life out for her good. It was a comforting thought once she stopped ignoring the truth of His words. Somehow, she would be able to handle life. Even if it meant Guy wouldn’t be at her side.
But, Lord, please let him be at my side.
“I can’t explain how much I appreciate you coming out here, Mrs. Pierre. I’m sorry for the hurt I’ve caused you and Guy.” She paused. “Would you please forgive me?”
Mrs. Pierre placed her hand on her cheek. It was weathered from time and hard work, but no less precious. “I forgive you. Now forgive yourself.”
She blinked. Then blinked again. Only it was no use. The tears came, the sobs welled up, and flooded from the depth of her heart. It was time to let God’s grace do its job.
GUY STARED AT HIS PHONE. Today was the first day Michelle hadn’t texted, pleading for him to respond. He wasn’t sure how he felt about it. On one hand, he was relieved. He couldn’t sort through his emotions with her constantly begging for them ‘to talk’. On the other hand...
He stared at the phone, the picture of her filling his contact screen. I miss her. He had tried to ignore the feeling. Had stuffed it down with every fiber of his being. Yet it constantly rose back up like a balloon refusing to be dragged under.
He missed the sound of her voice. The sassy way she antagonized him, just to get him to laugh. The way she looked his girls in the eye and made sure to give them her undivided attention. The way she smelled. Her cooking. If he closed his eyes, her image filled his mind. If he opened them, the memory of her lingered in the air. As much as he hurt, as much as anger gripped him, Guy couldn’t deny the feelings that welled up inside him at the thought of never speaking to her again.
Today wasn’t the day to give in. He had to remember what she did. How she betrayed him. He looked up at the sound of the knock. “Come in.”
Holly opened the door. “Hey, Sheriff. I’ve got a visitor for you.”
He frowned. “Who is it?”
“She says her name is Jamie Davenport.”
Jamie Davenport. He didn’t know a person by that name, but something niggled in the back of his mind. “Okay, send her in.”
Guy stood up when a young woman walked in. She was small and petite, alm
ost delicate looking in her features. She kind of reminded him of a real live version of Snow White. And why did he get the feeling that he knew her?
He held out his hand. “I’m Sheriff Pierre.”
“Hello, Sheriff. I’m Jamie Davenport. Nice to meet you.”
He nodded. “You can have a seat,” he stated, gesturing to the chair in front of his desk. She sat down across from him. Who was she? “How can I be of service?”
She looked at her hands, which were neatly folded in her lap. Silence filled the air as he wondered what her issue could be. He was on the verge of repeating his question when she met his gaze. “I was wondering if you knew a way for me to reach my sister?”
That was an odd request. “Is she missing or something?”
“Or something.” She ran a hand through her black hair. “I just found out I have a half-sister. Or rather it’s possible I have one. I mean...I eavesdropped on a conversation, so I could be way off base, but I thought the first step would be to come here and ask for assistance.”
He leaned back. Yep, this ran right up there with the most bizarre requests he’d ever heard. “I’m not sure I really follow, Ms. Davenport.” He blinked. Wait Davenport. How could he have been so blind? “Wait a minute. How did you find this out again?”
She gripped the edge of his desk. “My father received a strange phone call. Naturally, I eavesdropped. The man actually has a land line, I mean who owns one nowadays? Anyway, I heard him say there was no way she could be his daughter and she needed to stay in Freedom Lake.”
She took a visible breath before continuing. “Well, we’ve never been to Freedom Lake even though dad’s from here. I mean he has his old yearbooks and what not. And I know my grandparents live here, but they don’t have a great relationship, so...” she rubbed lip gloss on her lips before continuing. “So, I came here hoping you would be able to tell me who it was and how I can reach her.”
She opened her purse. “I have the number. ‘Cause you know, caller id and all. I did one of those reverse look ups, but it just said the person resided somewhere in Freedom Lake. So here I am.”
He watched in amazement. She had a few similar traits to Chloe and her eyes reminded him of hers, but that was it. “Ms. Davenport, I don’t feel comfortable giving out any personal information.” He paused as the light in her eyes went out. “However—”
“Yes?”
“If I did know whose phone number that was, I could let said person know of your interest and perhaps where you’re staying.”
She grinned, and he almost laughed at the likeness. “Thank you so much, Sheriff. I’m staying at the Carter B&B.”
Of course. Evan’s parents owned the only B&B in town.
“Okay, thank you. Can I get your cell number?”
“Sure, thing.” She rattled it off as he wrote it on a sticky note.
She rose to leave and thanked him for his time.
Chloe was going to faint. He sighed. Maybe he should tell Michelle so Chloe had a friend around when he gave her the information. Before he could change his mind, he headed out to Michelle’s office.
When he opened the door to her office, his stomach jumped like it was filled with locust. He paused as Tanya looked up from her desk.
“Good morning, Sheriff. May I help you?”
“Is Michelle in?”
“Yes, I’ll inform her that you’re here.”
He watched nervously as she dialed her office. Would she be happy to see him? Would she think he’d forgiven her?
“I’m here on business,” he blurted out.
Tanya eyed him strangely but relayed the information. She set the phone on the cradle. “You can head back there, Sheriff.”
“Thanks.”
He walked to her office, his steps slow and measured. Lord, please see me through this. He stopped outside her door, garnering courage. He inhaled. Exhaled. Then walked in.
Michelle was watching the doorway as if waiting for his entrance. He could feel his heart thumping so hard, he was afraid it would show through his uniform.
She looked beautiful.
She looked sad.
Don’t give in. Remember what she did. He cleared his throat and held up the sticky note.
She eyed him warily. “Last time you came in with a note it was regarding the whereabouts of Chloe’s father.”
“This time it’s regarding her half-sister.”
Her mouth dropped and she stood. She snatched the note out of his hand. The orange scent of her perfume wrapped around him. He wanted to reach out and touch her, but knew it would be his undoing. He fisted his hand and shoved it into his pocket.
“How did you get this. Are you saying she’s here?” She held up the sticky note as she peppered him with questions.
“She just left my office. Told me this long, convoluted story of how she suspected she had a half-sister. Apparently, the dad’s not saying anything. She wanted to check Chloe out for herself. I told her, if I even knew who she was, I’d pass the information along. I thought it would be better coming from you.”
He met her gaze and hers roamed over his face. He was sure she wanted to say more, but a look of resignation passed over her face.
“Thank you.” A professional tone entered her voice. “I’ll tell her.”
“She’ll need you.”
“Right.” She nodded and quickly turned away, but it wasn’t fast enough.
Guy saw tears well up before she managed to avert her eyes. He stepped forward. “Michelle.” Why was his voice so husky?
“Yes?” She refused to meet his gaze.
He swallowed. “The girls like their room.”
“Good.”
They miss you. I miss you. But he couldn’t say that. He wasn’t sure he even liked her anymore. “Well, thanks again. If Chloe has questions, she can contact me.”
She nodded but never once turned around. He heaved a sigh, then left.
Chapter Thirty-Four
Michelle stared at the wall, the note gripped in her hand. He didn’t love her. She couldn’t get past the cool look he had given her. And he sure made it obvious he was there strictly for business.
She drew in a breath, trying to keep her heart from shattering. It didn’t matter that his mother forgave her. He didn’t. Michelle closed her eyes, remembering the steps she had taken to forgive herself. Just this morning, she had whispered Scripture to herself to assure her she was forgiven. That she had a right to happiness.
But one look from Guy had shattered her hopes. If she couldn’t be with him, how could she be happy? She looked down at the note. Chloe’s sister was here. In Freedom Lake. At the B&B. She had to tell Chloe and she needed to do it now.
Lord, please give me the words. I pray this helps her instead of harming her. And please heal my broken heart.
She walked out of her office and stopped in front of Tanya’s desk. “Hey, Tanya, I’ll be next door at Chloe’s. If anything important happens you can come find me, otherwise just let people know I’ll return their calls.”
“Sure. Is everything okay, boss?” Tanya searched her gaze.
Michelle appreciated her concern, but was in no way ready to share her feelings. She offered a smile, feeling the falseness shine through. “It will be.” With a wave, she walked next door and entered.
Immediately the yellow color scheme calmed her. She could do this. At least she could help Chloe, even if she couldn’t help herself.
“Hey, Chelle.”
“Hey, Chlo.”
Chloe smiled and set down her colored pencil. “What brings you by? Want to do lunch?”
“I’m not very hungry.” She glanced at her watch. Huh, it was lunch time.
Chloe’s brow wrinkled. “You have to eat, sweetie. Don’t let life get you down.”
She sat down in the chair and studied her friend. “He doesn’t want anything to do with me.”
“Have you two talked recently?”
Michelle had poured out her heartbreak to Jo and C
hloe after her confession. “Yes. But it was strictly business.”
Chloe frowned. “Do you want me to talk to him?”
“No,” she shouted. She cleared her throat. “No, it’s all right.” She waved a hand in the air. “But that’s not why I came over. I have news for you.”
“For me?”
She took a deep breath. Here goes nothing. “One of your sisters is here.”
Chloe’s eyes widened and her mouth parted.
“She’s looking for you. She went to the Sheriff’s department looking for you.” She passed Chloe the sticky note. “She’s at the B&B. That’s her cell number.”
Chloe slowly reached for it. “She wants to see me?”
Michelle’s heart melted at the emotions in Chloe’s tone. She sounded hopeful yet scared. “She does.”
Chloe stared at her. “Will you go with me?”
“Definitely. Let’s get Jo to come too.”
Chloe nodded, then met her gaze, her dark brown eyes shimmering. “Thanks, Chelle.”
“You’re welcome, my friend.”
MICHELLE PULLED UP to the B&B driveway and put her coupe in park. She looked at Chloe. “You ready?”
Chloe smiled nervously. “I think so.”
Jo sat forward, sticking her head between the two front seats. “We’re here for you. You can handle this, Chlo.”
“I love you guys.”
“Love you too, girl,” Michelle replied, as Jo echoed the sentiment.
Chloe reached for the door handle and opened the car.
Lord, please let this go well.
Michelle followed her friends up the walkway and up the front porch. She turned and stared at the lake. The blossoms were beginning to fade and the greenery had slowly emerged. Could it be a sign for better times? Or would the summer heat just bring misery?
The door opened and there stood Mrs. Carter, Evan’s mother. “Hey, girls, what brings you by?”
“Um, I was told a Jamie Davenport was staying here. She was asking about me.”