“Never heard of you.” Frank noticed how the woman’s layered blond hair flipped upward at the ends.
“We’re a nonprofit organization out of Waterloo. We’re here to help the victims of the explosion.”
“We’re a charity group!” the brunette in the passenger seat called to him.
The words “nonprofit organization” and “charity group” set off warning bells inside his head. “Got any ID?”
“Absolutely.” The blond driver handed him her Iowa driver’s license and a business card.
“Cadence Trent. Disaster Busters, eh?” He eyed the young woman and her passengers with skepticism. He knew firsthand the scams and schemes associated with tragedies. Victims were vulnerable, and part of his job was to protect them. “Sorry. I wasn’t told you have security clearance, so turn the vehicle around.”
“But—”
“You heard me. Turn around.” He extended his hand to return the driver’s ID.
“Officer!” A male voice hailed him. “Wait a minute, Officer!”
Frank wheeled around in time to see Harrison Elliot, Wind Lake’s mayor, striding toward him.
“Is this the team from Waterloo? Five people in all? We’ve been expecting them.” He sidled up to the minivan. “You must be Cadi.”
“Yes. And you must be Mayor Elliot.”
“I am he.” There was a smile in his voice, but when he turned to Frank, he scowled. “Let this van pass, Officer.”
“If you say so.”
“I do, indeed.”
Frank tensed in protest then returned the ID and took a step back. He observed the blond tuck the identification into a long, trim billfold before she gave him a smile. A semblance of a peace offering, perhaps, but Frank wasn’t won over that easily.
“Pull forward, Cadi,” Mayor Elliot said. “Park over there. Pastor Dremond is setting up some tables, and we’re inviting those who are homeless because of this terrible tragedy to register.”
At the mention of Adam Dremond’s name, Frank’s tension abated somewhat. He knew Adam personally, and he was a good man. The mayor, on the other hand, was more pomp than circumstance as far as Frank was concerned.
Meanwhile, Cadi drove forward.
“I summoned the Disaster Busters team,” the stocky mayor informed Frank with a set to his jaw. “You had no business trying to turn them away.”
“In all due respect, sir, if you had informed the Sheriff’s Department of their expected arrival—”
“I did,” he groused.
“Nothing came over the radio.”
Elliot waved one beefy hand in the air. “Ooooh, I don’t have time to argue the point. Just—just go about your business.”
To his credit, Frank didn’t even grin at the sputtered remark. Nevertheless, he bristled at the mayor’s less-than-perfect handling of the situation. As for that little Disaster Buster, she might have clearance from Elliot, but that didn’t mean her organization was really on the up-and-up.
Frank decided he’d better keep his eye on her.
Two
“She’s all right, Frank.”
“How do you know?” He watched Cadi and her crew from out of the corner of his eye. They stood behind a long, rectangular table set up under a blue, twelve-by-twelve tarp. The Disaster Busters registered the recently homeless and orchestrated temporary arrangements, courtesy of a local establishment called the Wind Lake Inn and several charitable residents. “What if they’re rip-off artists?”
“I meet a group of local pastors for lunch every few months, and John Connor, Cadi Trent’s pastor, is one of them.” Adam grinned and finger-combed his thick, reddish brown hair off his forehead. “She comes highly recommended.”
Frank turned toward him. He and Adam Dremond had known each other for years, ever since the reverend arrived in Wind Lake. Adam was something of a social activist, but he operated aboveboard and made it a point to get to know law enforcement officials. His cooperation paid off. The entire sheriff’s department had come to respect Adam.
“So give me the lowdown on these Disaster Busters.” Ordinarily Frank trusted his friend’s word, but he still had his qualms about this group of strangers.
“Well, from what I understand, it’s a faith-based organization, but it works with local government. I convinced the mayor to give Cadi’s group a chance, and since there was a lot of bureaucratic red tape to cut through in order for county, state, or federal assistance to get here, Mayor Elliot was all for it.”
“Hmm. . .” Frank tucked his thumbs into the thick belt strapped around his waist. He watched as Cadi’s slender form bent and she wrote something on the paper in front of her. He had to admit she made a fetching sight, even in an ordinary pink polo shirt and faded blue jeans. Then, when she came around the table and placed her arm around the shoulders of a disheveled elderly woman, an odd sense of longing gripped him.
He shook it off and pulled his gaze away from Cadi. “She looks young.”
“Midtwenties is my guess.”
“I suppose that makes her old enough to be capable of an undertaking such as this,” he muttered, even though at thirty-four he wasn’t all that much older than she; however, he felt as if he’d lived an entire life—and that life ended some three years ago. Now his days were but twenty-four-hour capsules of existence—except around his two children. If it weren’t for them, he wouldn’t feel alive at all. He wouldn’t feel—period.
“I’m told Cadi is more than capable. So are her associates. Cadi is an experienced EMT, and there’s a registered nurse in the group, along with a guy who’s a family counselor.”
“Sounds like they’re qualified.” After several pensive moments, he regarded Adam again and decided to voice his concerns. “Remember the tornado that hit a few years back?”
The pastor’s usually jovial expression was replaced by a look of remorse. “Of course I remember. Who could forget it?”
Frank knew that he would never forget it. The storm had snuffed out the bright and beautiful life of his beloved wife and left him with two small children to raise. He was only too grateful for his extended family members who, between them, provided day care so Frank could keep his job. “There was a charity group that came in to help after the twister hit.” He glanced back at the Disaster Busters group. “They seemed just as qualified and capable, but those guys looted our ravaged community and swindled the most vulnerable. To this day, there are those who haven’t recovered.”
“I’m well aware of that unfortunate incident, but Cadi’s company isn’t like that, okay?” Empathy shone from Adam’s hazel eyes. “And maybe it’s time you started trusting people again.”
Frank guarded his reaction. “Maybe.” He watched as Cadi conversed with two teenagers.
“We’d also love to see you in church again.”
He swung his gaze back to Adam and noticed the twinkle in his eyes. “You’ve always got to work church into a conversation, don’t you?”
Adam nodded. “It’s my job.”
“Yeah, I know.” Frank couldn’t help but grin, but just as soon as it appeared, he felt it slip from his lips. “Look, my relationship with the Lord is intact.”
“Don’t you want more than that? Don’t you desire a closer walk with God and fellowship with other like-minded believers?”
“Sure, but attending church isn’t easy.”
Frank stopped short of admitting that on Sunday mornings when he thought of attending worship services, sudden memories of his wife, Yolanda, dashed his concerted efforts and left him feeling depressed and hopeless. In his mind’s eye, he could see her preparing breakfast. He could practically hear her humming while she dressed the kids in their Sunday best. It was all Frank could do to keep from breaking down in front of his children. As if that wasn’t bad enough, when he did manage to a
ttend services, he was bombarded with sad, piteous stares from everyone who knew Yolanda. It was more than he could bear. So, typically, he waited until his mother-in-law picked up Dustin and Emily for Sunday school before he went to work early. Then he pushed his feelings into the farthest corner of his heart.
He cleared the discomfort from his throat. “I’m sure I’ll get to church again eventually.”
“If not ours then perhaps another solid, Bible-believing church.”
“Yeah.” Frank was amazed at how the man had divined his thoughts. “Maybe.”
“Hearing God’s Word will strengthen your faith. Fellowship with other believers will encourage you.”
Frank smirked. “I get the message already.”
Adam smiled and gave him a friendly slap between the shoulder blades. “All right. I’ve needled you enough for one day. Besides, I’ve got other work to do.” He inclined his head toward the many explosion victims. “See ya later.”
“Yeah. . .see you.”
❧
“What’s with that sheriff’s deputy?”
Cadi followed her friend’s line of vision and glimpsed the tall, broad-shouldered man with short, jet black hair. He seemed to scowl at her and Meg.
“And why is he staring at us like we’re convicted bank robbers? We’re here to help.”
“Maybe he’s having a bad day,” Cadi said. “Try to ignore him.” Her suggestion belied the nervous anticipation winding its way around her insides—like the feeling that threatened whenever she spoke in front of large audiences. Now, as she did then, Cadi silently recited her favorite passage of scripture, Philippians 4:6–7. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
“Um, I don’t think we’re going to be able to ignore that guy, Cadi.” The warning in her friend’s voice rang out loud and clear. “He’s heading our way.”
She glanced up from her yellow legal pad and met the gaze of the stern-faced deputy.
“Ladies,” he said with a slight dip of his head when he reached them. “Anything I can do to assist you?”
Was he serious? Cadi sensed a measure of condescension in his tone. “We’re okay, but thanks anyway.”
The deputy shifted his stance. “I think maybe we got off to a bad start.” He extended his right hand. “I’m Sergeant Frank Parker.”
“Cadi Trent.” She set her palm inside his much larger one. He gave it a firm but cordial shake that stayed with her long after he released her hand. Cadi turned toward her friend. “This is Meg Buckingham.”
“Good to meet you both.” Frank cleared his throat before glancing over his shoulder. He looked a mite uneasy, and it gave Cadi a small measure of comfort to think she wasn’t the only one.
“Well, I’d best get back to work, unless there’s anything you ladies need.”
“There is one thing,” Meg said before turning to Cadi. “Tell him about the two teenagers.”
“Will and Pastor Dremond are taking care of them.”
“Perhaps I can help.”
Cadi regarded the man, noticing his large build and scrutinizing deep brown eyes. Along with his shadowed jaw, Cadi thought he made an imposing figure.
“Miss Trent? Or is it Mrs. Trent?”
“Miss.” She felt almost mesmerized.
“Extremely Miss after today,” Meg piped up, putting Cadi on sudden alert. “She and her boyfriend called it quits this afternoon.”
“Meg!” She rapped her friend’s upper arm. “I’m sure the officer here isn’t interested in my personal issues.” She felt her cheeks growing hot with embarrassment.
“Sorry to hear about the breakup, Miss Trent.”
Awkwardness seemed to envelop her, but at least the man appeared sincere.
“Thanks.” She managed a shrug and muttered, “It’s for the best.”
“Definitely for the best,” Meg reiterated with a pointed look at Cadi. “Now about those kids; we’re trying to locate their parents.”
“What’s the last name?” Frank pulled a small notebook from his back pocket and flipped it open.
Cadi looked at her pad of paper. “Jenkins. Their mom’s first name is Loretta, and their dad’s is Brett.”
“Loretta and Brett Jenkins?” Frank wrote down the names, while shaking his head. “Don’t believe I know either of them. They’re obviously not locals. But I’ll radio it in. We’ll find ’em.” With a nod and a small smile, he turned on his heel and took purposeful strides toward the white squad car with the words Black Hawk County Sheriff painted across the doors in bold yellow letters.
“Maybe he’s not such a crabby guy after all,” Meg remarked, watching him go.
“Yeah, but you’ve got a big mouth.” Cadi expelled a breath laden with aggravation. “How could you bring up my relationship with Darrell to a complete stranger?”
Meg faced her and seemed at a loss for words. “I—I don’t know. I didn’t mean to. It just tumbled out of my mouth. Once I’d blurted the news, I tried to make the best of it.” She stepped forward and grabbed hold of Cadi’s wrist. “I’m sorry. Will you forgive me? You know I don’t make a habit of spouting off my best friend’s personal information—or anyone else’s for that matter. I’m usually very discreet.”
Cadi couldn’t argue. “Oh, let’s just forget it, okay? Of course I forgive you!”
Meg beamed and gave her a quick hug. “I’ll go tell Will and Pastor Dremond that we’ve got the sheriff’s department helping us find the Jenkinses.”
Cadi replied with a nod and resumed her post at the table. Bailey and Jeff were talking to another young couple. She listened in for a few minutes, and her heart broke to hear how the newlyweds lost almost everything in the explosion that damaged their home.
That’s why I’m here, Lord, she thought. I’m here to represent You with love and compassion and help lighten these people’s loads.
Her gaze roamed beyond the two couples and to the dark-haired sheriff’s deputy standing next to his vehicle, its driver’s side door wide open. He had placed his foot on the doorjamb while he penned something into his notebook, using his knee for a writing surface.
In the next second he looked up, and his dark eyes riveted her so that all she could do was stare back at him.
“Hey, Cadi, I’m looking for that box of men’s clothes—Cadi? Yo, Cadi.”
She felt a hand on her shoulder and the mild shake that followed.
“What?” She turned to find Will standing beside her. She collected her wits. “What are you looking for?”
“The deputy, huh?” A playful grin spread across Will’s face. “Are you one of those women who can’t resist a man in uniform?” He chuckled.
“Oh, hush.” Cadi brushed his hand off her shoulder.
Will laughed again. “You’re a free agent now, you know? Darrell is his-tor-eee.”
She felt the deep frown creasing her brow. “Stop teasing me.”
He shaded his amusement with feigned professionalism. “Have you seen the box of men’s clothing? I’m working with several individuals who could use a few pairs of pants and several shirts.”
Cadi pulled the minivan’s keys from her jeans pocket and set them none-too-gently into Will’s awaiting palm.
He gave her a gracious bow before walking away.
What a clown, Cadi thought in his wake. But what would she ever do without Will around to make her smile? He was like sunshine in the midst of the storm.
Or, in this case, explosion.
Cadi’s musing came back around to the present tragedy, which, in turn, made her think about the nice-looking sheriff’s deputy with the austere demeanor.
Three
Frank squelched his impatience as Julie, an administrative assistant, ran a search on Cadi. Almost a half hour later, the plump brunette returned to the cubicle that surrounded his cluttered desk and shared what she’d found.
“The search came up empty.”
“Good.” Seeing Julie’s curious expression, he immediately recanted his all-too-eager reply. “Um—it’s good news for the community.”
Her look of interest waned.
“I wouldn’t want folks in Wind Lake to get swindled by con artists,” he added. “It would be the nightmare of three years ago revisited.”
“Oh, right. I remember that. My cousin and his wife were out their entire home insurance check because those supposed do-gooders helped them with the forms and conveniently had the check sent to them. They stole it.”
“Exactly what I don’t ever want to happen again.” Frank, too, had lost more than his beloved wife. Stating they would “clean up” his damaged property, the phony charity group looted everything of value.
With a bob of her head, Julie headed for her own work area near the front of the sheriff department’s satellite office.
Frank lazed back in his worn leather swivel chair. Out of habit he lifted a pen from the desk and tapped it against the metal finish while he pondered the situation. He had to admit to feeling relieved that Miss Cadi Trent had no criminal history. But why should he care if she did? And why couldn’t he rid his memory of her arresting blue eyes? So what if she’d just broken up with her boyfriend? None of his concern.
Frank shook his head, disrupting his wayward thought process. What mattered to him was enforcing the law and protecting the citizens of Black Hawk County. Nothing more. Nothing less.
He stood and tossed the pen aside. He had work to do. No time for half-baked musings. Mayor Elliot had decided to hold a community barbecue in one of the county’s many parks. This particular one, Lakeview Park, had a large, covered picnic area. The outing had been a spur-of-the-moment idea, and Frank supposed it was a good way of feeding those left homeless today and thanking all the volunteers who’d teamed together to help emergency personnel after this afternoon’s explosion. Frank would be there; the park was part of his jurisdiction.
Courting Disaster Page 2