By barbara.wilkey
CHAPTER ONE
Colonel Joe Barnes parked in his parents' driveway and smiled at the red brick ranch house he grew up in. His parents bought the house when he was five years old. He watched the rectangular, picture window's curtain move, knowing his mom, Renee, would soon run down the front steps.
Before he could shut the car door, Renee had her arms around his neck. "I'm glad you're home."
He returned the hug and kissed her cheek. "So am I. It's been a while, hasn't it?"
"Way too long. How was your trip?"
"The traffic wasn't bad, probably because it's the middle of the week." He glanced toward the front door. "Where's Dad?"
"He's coming. He was in the backyard trimming the shrubs. Are you sure you can only stay until Sunday?"
Before Joe could answer, his dad, Bob, crossed the lawn and vigorously shook his hand.
"Oh." Renee hurried toward the house. "I almost forgot. I have cookies in the oven."
Bob raised the hood of the car. "Have you checked the oil lately?"
Joe grinned. "Dad, the Porsche is less than a year old, but yes, I checked it at the last gas station."
As Bob shut the hood, a softball bounced by Joe and rolled under the car.
"I didn't know any families with boys young enough to play ball still lived in this neighborhood." Joe bent down and searched under the car.
"None do, but they visit their grandparents." Bob chuckled.
A teenage girl with a brunette ponytail hanging from under a navy blue baseball cap ran up to them. He noticed her bright blue eyes, sprinkle of freckles across her cheeks, and the cute dimples when she smiled. "Sorry, Mr. Barnes. It got away from me."
"Not a problem, Cassie. Practicing pitching?"
"Yeah, our first game's Saturday morning, and I'm scheduled to start." She lay down on her stomach and reached for the ball behind the driver's side front tire.
"I can get that for you." Joe reached for the ball.
She stood with the ball in her hand. "I have it, but thanks." She leaned over and brushed sand from her cut-off denim shorts and legs.
"Cassie, did your ball escape again?" A woman's voice called from the house next door.
"Yep, but I got it."
"Did you apologize to Mr. Barnes?"
Cassie glanced at the two men. "I'm sorry. I'll try to keep the ball in Grandma's yard."
Joe's attention went straight to the voice and searched the yard until he saw a pretty petite woman standing halfway up a ladder in cut-off denim jeans and a pink T-shirt. She struggled with a shutter. He heard her call, "Dad, this shutter won't budge," as she adjusted the blue ball cap covering her hair.
"I'll be there in a minute." A male's deep voice replied from the backyard.
Joe walked across the yard and stood beside the ladder. "Maybe I can get it."
The woman stared down and smiled.
Before she could say anything, Joe asked, "Sara Riley, is that you?" He grinned.
"It's me. I see you've already met my daughter, Cassie." She pointed toward the teenager and climbed down the ladder.
"Boy, did you ever grow up!" He absorbed her bright blue eyes, enticing smile, generous breasts, slender waist and perfectly rounded hips. Her legs aren't bad, either.
"That's usually what happens as a person ages."
"I see you still have the same quick mouth." He glanced toward the ladder and shook his head. "Damn, another pretty face."
"What did you say?" Her eyes widened.
"Task Force 385 men seem to always end up helping beautiful women. It seems to be our destiny, and I'm no exception," he teased, once he realized he spoke louder than he intended. "Step aside and I'll see if I can get that shutter for you." He climbed up the ladder, examined the screws, and then glanced down at her. "Do you have a Phillips head screwdriver?"
"Here." She smiled, removing one from her back pocket,handing it to him.
Joe grinned at the dimples and the perfectly placed freckles on her cheeks as he struggled with the screws. "I think the screws are stripped." While he forced the shutter loose, his muscles flexed under the short sleeves of his blue Henley. Handing it down to Sara, he asked, "You got it? Is it too heavy?"
"I have it, and no, it's not too heavy," she blurted. A healthy pink tint crossed her cheeks, as she diverted her eyes from him.
"I forgot how independent you were. How long has it been?" He hesitated, before he answered his own question, "I guess the last time I saw you was at Josh's funeral."
"I was fourteen then." She turned toward Cassie, wiping moisture welling in her eyes.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bring it up."
"You'd think after eighteen years, it wouldn't hurt anymore. I guess I'll always miss my big brother."
"He was young and had his whole life ahead of him."
"The year before he died, he graduated from the Air Force academy." She released a deep breath. "I guess I don't need to tell you. Josh and you were best friends." She removed the cap and brushed a loose strand of hair back, before she replaced it.
"You graduated from West Point the same year and were sent to Desert Storm at the same time." She released a deep breath. "Only Josh didn't return home."
"I can still remember how pretty this street looked with all the yellow ribbons tied around the tree trunks." She shielded her eyes from the sun and pointed at the large oak trees. "The whole neighborhood waited for Josh and you to return. The entire town was behind the soldiers."
Sara turned and watched a softball roll under the yellow Porsche. "Cassie has a pitching screen on the left side of the house." Glancing toward that direction, she continued, "My daughter's a good pitcher, just can't field worth a darn," she added with a smile.
"So she's a tomboy, like her mom. If I remember right, you tried to join Josh and me at whatever ball game we were playing, and were always under foot."
"If I remember right, you and Josh were always in my way and called me 'munchkin'." She lifted the shutter. "I better get this to Dad so he can paint it." She turned toward the backyard. "You even called me a 'single digit midget'." The pout of her lips turned into a smile.
"Back then that's what you were." He took the shutter from her. "Let me carry that."
"I'm not helpless."
"I know, but I was brought up to never allow a lady to carry anything heavy." He grinned.
"I was brought up to take care of myself, because nobody else will." She yanked it back from him.
They laughed and each struggled to gain control. Sara's cap fell off.
"I'd forgotten how beautiful your hair was." Joe studied her shoulder length auburn hair with natural blonde highlights running through it.
"It never could figure out what color it wanted to be and it still hasn't figured it out. Only I think a few gray hairs have been added to the mix." She smiled and held the shutter as a trophy.
A black convertible Corvette drove into the driveway and a distinguished blonde lady opened the car door and walked toward them. "Isn't this cozy?" Her eyes widened. "Joe Barnes, is that you?"
Joe gained control of the shutter as he studied the lady. "Yes." He searched his memory, wondering if he should know her but couldn't place the face.
"I'd recognize you anywhere. The years have been good to you. You're just as handsome as you were in high school. Your picture still hangs in the high school foyer." She offered her hand to shake. "I was Ginger Wright, Sam Wright's daughter. My oldest brother, Sam Jr., was a year behind you in school. Sara and I graduated in the same class."
"It's starting to come back." He glanced at Sara, but addressed Ginger, "I'm sure you ladies would like to talk privately. I'll take this," he held the shutter toward Sara, "to your dad."
Ginger moved closer to Joe, put her hand on his arm, and smiled. "I just wanted to remind Sara I haven't received confirmation or the money for our reunion dinner and/or dance Friday night. It's only two days away." She grinned at Sara. "You're welcome to come without a date."
"I don't think I'll attend, but thank you for your concern." She stared at her worn-out sneakers.
"I'm escorting Sara. How much are the tickets?" Joe noticed how uncomfortable Sara felt. He leaned the shutter against his legs and removed his billfold from his back jeans pocket.
Sara's eyes widened.
"For dinner it's forty dollars and for the dance it's twenty-five." Ginger gulped. "Which one will you escort her to?"
Joe counted out the money. "Here's sixty-five dollars. I'll be escorting her to both events." He handed the money to Ginger.
Ginger took the money and drove away while Sara watched.
After Joe returned from taking the shutter to the backyard, he grinned. "This has to be the first time in your life you are at a loss for words."
"I'm not sure what just happened." She swallowed.
"You have a date for all your reunion stuff. I'm taking you."
"But ...." She swallowed and placed her hands on her hips.
"But nothing," he interrupted. "We're going together and we're going to have fun. "
"You haven't heard about me, have you?"
"I know exactly who you are. You're Sara Riley. You grew up next door and were a pain in the neck." He paused. "I'm guessing you're still a pain in the neck." He moved the ladder to the next shutter. "But the blonde streaks in your hair are just the beginning of your charm. You grew up to be a very beautiful lady."
He pretended to think, before teasing, "I guess it won't be too much of a hardship taking you." He smiled. "I'm honored to be your escort."
"That's not who I am. I'm the girl who got pregnant during my senior year in high school. I was eighteen when Cassie was born. I've raised her by myself."
She stepped up two rungs on the ladder, then stopped. "You're the star jock and graduated with honors, the class valedictorian." She chewed her lower lip. "You went to West Point. You're the closest thing we have to a hometown hero. You know; a local guy leaves and makes it big. You don't want to be seen with me. If you catch Ginger, I'm sure she'll return your money."
He touched her arm. "This is a small town, and I know there's been a lot of talk, but I'm not interested in gossip. I want to escort you to the reunion. This is your fifteen year reunion, right?"
"Yes." After hesitating, she asked. "Are you sure you want to get involved?"
"I'm sure. You need to get a dress." Grinning, his eyes slid down her body. "Your cut-off jeans look great, but I think you'd be more comfortable in a dress." He glanced toward his parents' house and saw his dad working in the garage. "I better get home." He laughed. "Mom will think I got lost."
Sara smiled. "I'm sure they're wondering what you're doing over here for so long. I know they wouldn't approve."
"My parents have never judged you, but they've wondered why you never named Cassie's father. Care to enlighten me?"
"I'd rather not talk about it." She studied the ladder.
"OK." He ran his fingers through his short brown hair. "I'll try to drop by later tonight." He watched her climb up the ladder and grinned at her cute rear-end.
| Author Notes |
Thank you Lorac1 for your beautiful artwork, "Road to Lansing". I wanted to portray a small town environment. This artwork does this. I want to thank my fans for sticking with me through Tantalizing Eyes. I hope Another Pretty Face doesn't disappoint you. You comments are appreciated.
There will be a lot of action in this novel, but in this first post I am introducing the characters, setting the plot, and showing a little of the conflict. There will be some interesting twists during the journey. |
By barbara.wilkey
Joe walked across the yard, raised his right hand, and stared at the little finger. He wiggled it and then glanced over his shoulder at Sara. Grinning, he said aloud, "I was just wrapped around her pretty little finger."
After Joe closed his parents' front door, he smiled at his mom. "Sara grew into a beautiful lady." He stared out the kitchen window.
"That she is. She's raised Cassie by herself with very little help from her parents."
Bob walked in, stood beside Joe, and watched out the window. "She sure works hard. I'll give her that." He glanced at Joe. "I noticed Ginger Moore stopped by. What did she want?"
"She married one of the Moore boys?"
"The middle of the five, Chip."
"Figures. He was four years younger and a jerk in high school. Maybe he outgrew it."
"He didn't. He's the county sheriff."
"Mom, did you overfill the cookie jar again?" He grinned at Sara, struggling as she carried the shutter down the ladder. "Ginger tried to rub in Sara's face that she didn't have an escort to her class reunion. I volunteered to take her."
Renee handed him a plate of chocolate chip cookies and a tall glass of cold milk. "I'm glad you're taking her. She hasn't dated since she couldn't conceal her pregnancy. You know small town gossip."
Joe took a bite of cookie, followed by a sip of milk. "You're telling me for the past fifteen years she's been chastised by the townspeople?" After his mom nodded, he asked, "What about Cassie's father? Somebody must have an idea who he is. I'm sure she didn't get pregnant by herself."
"No one ever came forward, and Sara never said. Rumor has it she doesn't know who the father is, but I never believed it. She's too good a kid not to know, but it looks like she'll take that secret to her grave."
Frustrated, Joe turned to his dad. "Mom, do Dad and I have time for nine holes of golf before dinner?"
*****
Sara took a shutter to her dad, went inside, and sat beside her mom, Linda. When her mom glanced up from the ironing, Sara smiled. "Joe Barnes asked me to the reunion activities Friday night."
"Renee said he'd be home this week. I guess he made it." She adjusted the sleeve, before she continued ironing.
"Should I go? I don't want his name raked through the rumor mill."
"Don't worry about it. He's a grown man and knows what he's doing. I've always liked Joe."
"He used to aggravate the tar out of me."
Linda smiled. "By the sound of things outside, I'd say he still enjoys irritating you."
"You were eavesdropping?" Her eyes widened.
"Of course." Linda smiled and patted Sara's arm. "We'd better go shopping and see what we can find." She turned off the iron.
Mark, came in through the backdoor. "I wondered what happened to my help." He glanced at his daughter. "It looks like she's taking a break."
Linda smiled at her husband. "Sara and I are going shopping for a dress. Joe Barnes invited her to the reunion dinner and dance."
*****
After dinner, Mark answered a knock on the door and grinned. "Joe, I guess you're here to see Sara. She's in the spare bedroom with her mom. They're discussing dresses." He changed the TV station. "I can't believe there's not a ball game on." He glanced toward the room before he sat in the recliner. "You're welcome to go in there but, when women talk clothes, I suggest you stay out of the way."
He stared toward Josh's old room. "You're probably right. Baseball season started last week, didn't it?" He sat on the couch.
Before Mark could answer, Cassie squeezed in the seat beside him. "Grandpa, don't you think Mom should show off her figure? She looks pretty good for an old lady." Looking at Joe, she covered her mouth. "Oops, I didn't know you were here." She turned toward the bedroom. "Mom. Mr. Barnes is here."
Sara entered the room and stood beside the couch. "Hi." She sighed. "Mom and I can't decide between two dresses."
"I agree with Cassie. You look pretty good for an old lady." Joe chuckled. "Maybe you should leave your cane at home. It may get in the way while we're dancing." He glanced toward Mark and teased, "Do you have any old burlap sacks in the garage or at the hardware store she can wear?"
Sara picked up a pillow from the couch and tossed it at him. "I can't believe I agreed to go out with you."
He took a cell phone from his jeans pocket. "I'll call Mom, she's better at choosing dresses than I am."
"Don't do that." She reached for the cell phone.
Joe stood and laughed as he put the phone behind his back. "Since you have your dress selection narrowed down, want to take a walk? You have two days to make the final decision." He opened the front door.
As they stepped off the porch, Joe noticed an old VW beetle parked beside the house. "Is that your car?" He laughed. "I'm not sure what its original color is or was. I know it's older than Cassie, but is it older than you?"
"Yes, it's a 1968. I was born in 1975." After laughing, Sara said, "But not older than you, you were born in 1966." She patted the hood. "I think its original color was light blue, but I'm not sure." She opened the front passenger door and pointed to a spot. "I think this is the last original patch of paint."
She turned her back to him, stared down the street, and asked, "Are you taking me to the reunion activities because you like my smile, feel it's your duty, or because you feel sorry for me? I don't need your sympathy or charity."
He moved to stand in front of her and lifted her chin. "I asked you because I would like the opportunity to know you better. While home I'm planning on spending as much time as possible with you."
Joe ran his fingers through his short hair. "It did upset me when Ginger humiliated you in front of me." He hesitated, then said, "I care."
Sara smiled. "Back when I was a kid, I had a schoolgirl crush on you. I'm glad you asked me."
"So that's why you were always under foot. When Josh and I shot hoops at the park, you rode your bike across the court." He shook his head. "While we watched a ballgame, you changed TV stations." He put his hands in his pocket and grinned. "I thought you were just a pain in the neck."
"I was only nine when you graduated; a little young for dating. Besides you had all the dates you could handle." She glanced at the ground. "Why aren't you married?"
He rubbed the back of his neck. "You're getting a little personal, aren't you?"
"Not really. You know why I'm not married. I'm the town slut."
Her bluntness surprised him. "You're not a slut. I guess it's only fair I answer. I'm not married because I never met the right woman." He grinned. "Instead of meeting the right woman, maybe I'm not the right man. I'm a workaholic and, because of the nature of my work, I'm never around long enough to form a serious relationship. Did I answer your question?"
"I guess." She released a deep breath. "Are we going for a walk, or stand by my beautiful classy car all night?"
Her eyes sparkled and a grin spread across her face, causing dimples in her cheeks. His heart skipped a beat. "This car's definitely a classic, just like its owner." He patted the hood.
They took a few steps toward the sidewalk before he stopped and turned toward her. "Would you do me a favor? I know living in a small town's been difficult, but I don't like you putting yourself down. You don't deserve it. Can you refrain from degrading yourself, at least when we're together? I've never judged you and never will."
He took her hand in his. "You made a mistake and I don't think you should spend the rest of your life paying for it. Everyone has made at least one mistake in their life; most of us more."
Moisture filled her eyes. "Thank you. You're very kind." She bit her lower lip and looked at her watch. " Oh look, it's really late. I need to get Cassie home. It's a school night." As she turned toward the house, she wiped the tears rolling down her cheeks.
"I'll come by tomorrow," he said, wanting to go after her but deciding she needed to be alone.
| Author Notes | Thank you lorac1 for the lovely artwork, 'Road to Lansing'. I am still laying background information so I felt this artwork expresses the small town environment. I want to thank all my fans for sticking with me. |
By barbara.wilkey
CHAPTER TWO
Joe entered Riley's Hardware Store and watched Sara discuss paint orders with a salesman. After the man left, Joe walked to Sara and rubbed his stomach. "I'm starving. Could I interest you in some lunch?"
She straightened a few paint cans. "I'm sure your mom fixed lunch. Besides we don't serve lunch."
"OK, I came to see you." He bowed, and then grinned as his eyes met hers. "Would you have lunch with me?"
"I'm not sure." She glanced toward her dad.
Mark scanned the vacant store and motioned toward the door. "Go ahead. I guess I can spare you for a few minutes. It doesn't look like we're too busy."
*****
Joe opened the passenger door. "I think that salesman was flirting with you."
Sara released a deep breath. "He usually does."
"Has he asked you out?"
"A few times, but I've turned him down. I'm not interested in dating someone who has girlfriends at every hardware store in his selling area."
"Wouldn't it be nice to get out of the house once in awhile?"
"Maybe, but I need to think of Cassie. I can't bring men in and out of her life. If I date someone, I want it to be a man I'm not afraid to introduce to my daughter."
He studied Sara's eyes. "I understand." He tapped the top of the open door with his hands. "I'm sorry I upset you last night."
She hesitated, before she sat in the yellow Porsche. "You didn't." She glanced out the windshield. "Can we talk about something else?"
"Sure." He walked around the front of the car, opened the door, and climbed behind the steering wheel. "Where would you like to go for lunch?"
"Since you invited me, I thought you had a plan." A grin crossed her lips.
"I'm playing it by ear. I just wanted to see you again." He turned on the ignition. "How about 'Bernie's Burgers and Fries' and then to the town park? It's a beautiful day for a picnic."
"Sounds perfect." She rubbed her hand across the seat. "This is real leather, isn't it?"
He glanced at her. "I sure hope so."
*****
Inside the restaurant, Joe ordered burgers, fries and Cokes, and Sara gathered napkins and straws.
A woman stood beside Joe. "I'm sure you don't remember me, because I'm a few years younger than you. I'm Ben and Annie Schillings' daughter, Kathy. I'm sure you remember my parents. I married Robert Williams. You might remember him; he's three years younger than you."
Joe stared at her. Why is she telling me this? He shook hands and greeted other people as they came up to him. "I know your parents and vaguely remember Robert."
"I'm wondering if the rumor's true. Are you really dating Sara Riley? I can't believe the school's most famous graduate couldn't find a better," she paused before she said, "I meant, a different date."
Joe hesitated, keeping his anger in check. "I'm escorting Sara to her fifteenth class reunion, so yes, I am dating her." The woman behind the counter handed him their order. "Excuse me. She's waiting." He walked toward her. Rumors travel fast in this town. He motioned with his head toward the door. "Let's get out of here." They headed toward the park.
Joe and Sara sat at a wooden picnic table under a large maple tree and watched a gaggle of geese swimming on the lake. Sara glanced at Joe and tilted her head. "Last night you said everyone makes mistakes. Do other people really make mistakes?"
His eyes widened as he sorted the food. "Yes. We all make mistakes. Most people hide their mistakes. Your mistake was obvious and small towns can be unforgiving."
He took a sip of soda. "Do you honestly believe you're the only person in this town who had sex in high school or before they were married?" Before she could answer, he continued, "You just happened to get pregnant, so everybody knew."
Sara chewed on her lower lip. "Did you have sex while you were in high school?"
"There's nine years difference in our ages. When Josh and I were in high school, sex was taboo."
"Just to set the record straight, in this town it was taboo when I was in high school too. I hope for Cassie's sake it still is." She brushed a few crumbs from the table and watched them hit the ground. "Would you tell me about a mistake you made?"
"You're good at asking the hard questions, aren't you?" He rubbed the back of his neck. "Do you want to know about a mistake I made in high school, at work, or something personal?"
"Personal."
He turned his soda glass around. "Figures."
"You're having a difficult time thinking of an answer," she interrupted his pause. "Is it because you can't think of one, or ...."
"It's because I have so many." He unwrapped his cheeseburger. "I'm trying to decide which one will cause me the least embarrassment." He glanced at her, then said, "Most of them involve women and I don't want you thinking I'll make the same ones with you. I've learned from my mistakes."
He took a bite, chewed, then swallowed before he answered, "While a junior at West Point, I invited a local girl to a dance. Halfway through the dance we left and talked someone into buying some beer at a gas station. We got drunk and ended up in my dorm room. While we were having sex, my roommate, Matt Patterson, walked in on us." Joe studied Sara, then added, "To answer your earlier question, no, I didn't wait for marriage to have sex." He ate a French fry. "Matt was interested in the same girl and already had a few dates with her, only I didn't know it at the time."
He dropped a fry, picked it up, and tossed it toward a pigeon. "I was too drunk to realize what just happened and made a stupid comment about my friend's ability with girls. I almost ruined a good friendship."
"Do you and Matt still talk to each other?"
"Yes, we work together and have been best friends for twenty-three years." He glanced away from her.
She put her hand on his arm. "I'm sorry."
He stared at her hand, touching his arm. "Nobody knows about this except the girl, Matt, and me. Just in case you're wondering, I decided drinking wasn't for me either. It wasn't the first time I'd done something stupid after drinking, but it was the last."
"Thank you for confiding in me." Sara shielded her eyes as she looked up at the sky. "It's a gorgeous day. I wish I didn't have to go back to work." She wadded up the sandwich wrappers and placed them inside the sack.
He took the sack from her, walked over to a garbage can, and tossed it in. "If this was some kind of a test, did I pass?"
"It wasn't a test. One thing just led to another, but ... I'm more comfortable knowing you aren't perfect."
"Then it was worth it." He touched her nose and grinned. "Come on, I'll take you back. I bet your dad's getting impatient."
| Author Notes | Thank you, DaveChappell for the lovely artwork 'Enjoying the Park'. I feel this artwork shows a glimpse of a small town. I appreciate all my fans and their continued support. I have changed Sandy's name to Ginger. It seems Sara and Sandy confused a few readers. Please note the change. |
By barbara.wilkey
Cassie answered the doorbell and smiled at Joe standing on the front porch. "If you're here to see Mom, she's in the shower." She moved aside and opened the screen door. "Come in. She should be out in a few minutes." Setting her ball glove on the dining room table, she removed her cap. "I just got home from practice."
Sara called from the bathroom, "Cassie, is that you? Can you start supper? The computer acted up again, so I'm running late."
Cassie sighed. "Sure."
Joe followed her to the kitchen. "I'll help." He opened the refrigerator door. "What do you usually have for dinner?"
"I think Mom planned spaghetti and a salad."
He set a package of ground beef on the counter and found a skillet. "Why don't you make the salad and I'll make the sauce and cook the spaghetti?"
She smiled. "Thank you, but Mom won't like it."
"I'll take the heat." He winked at her. "We better get our story straight. I forced you to let me help."
"Mr. Barnes, I don't think it'll work." She began to cut lettuce.
"Call me Joe. My dad's Mr. Barnes."
"Mom won't let me call adults by their first name." She glanced toward the bathroom. "Can I call you Mr. Joe?"
He nodded.
As Cassie set the table, Sara walked in wearing jeans and a light blue t-shirt. "I'm glad you're almost done. Mr. Barnes said he might drop by after dinner with dessert." She lifted the ball glove and cap from the table. "Cassie, put these in your room. You know they don't belong in here."
Joe set a large bowl of spaghetti on the table. "Hi."
Sara spun around. "You're early!" She fingered her damp hair and took a deep breath. "You've seen my car. I jog to and from work." She smiled. "It's a good workout, but I have to shower twice a day." She glanced at the table. "Cassie, you need to set another place."
"I ate dinner with my parents. Go ahead, I don't mind, really."
Sara sat at the table. Cassie passed her the bowl of spaghetti, and she dished some onto her plate. She took a bite, hesitated, then another bite. "Cassie, you didn't make this sauce, did you?"
Cassie smiled at Joe. "No. He forced me to let him help."
"You can cook?" Sara's eyebrows rose.
"Don't look so surprised. A man's got to eat."
"Grandpa says you're a secret agent. Is that true?" Cassie took a bite of salad.
Joe grinned. "She's definitely your daughter." He shook his head. "Questions, questions, and more questions."
Sara stared at her plate. "I've already used our daily allotment of questions."
"You just got out of the shower. You haven't asked Mr. Joe anything."
"Mr. Joe?" She glared at her daughter.
"He told me to call him by his first name, so I modified it. It's all right, isn't it?"
She thought for a moment. "I guess, but no further modifications."
"You did ask if he could cook." Cassie frowned. "That shouldn't count."
"Your mom and I had lunch together." Joe took a drink of water.
"Mom, you're keeping secrets from me." She tapped her fork on the edge of the plate.
"No, I'm not. We haven't had an opportunity to speak with each other. How was your day?"
"Eighth grade's boring, but I bet being a secret agent's exciting. I can't wait to tell Angela a secret agent helped me cook dinner."
"You two look so much alike." He twirled a quarter on the table. "Your Grandpa doesn't have a chance, does he?"
Sara set her fork down and raised her eyebrows. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Of course you don't," he teased. "Cassie, as for me being a secret agent, I'm more of a special agent. I'm not too secret or you wouldn't know where I work, would you?"
A smiled crossed her lips as her eyes lit up. "I guess not, but exactly what do you do?"
"I guess I'd better answer your questions." He set the quarter aside. "I'm active duty Army, but I'm on loan to Task Force 385. That's a special government agency. It fights drug movement within the borders of the US. I'm a colonel, but should get my first star in a few months."
Cassie fingered her glass. "What does get your first star mean?"
"It means I'll be a one star general or a brigadier general."
"That's high up, isn't it?"
"Fairly high." He grinned.
He waited for Cassie to return with a glass of water. "I'm sure you've already noticed I don't get home too often. I come home each holiday, but usually only for that day and then I need to get back."
"This isn't a holiday and you're home." Sara glanced at the calendar.
"My partner, George Wright, and I were out of the states for about eight months. We arrived back Monday, so I took off a few days." He quickly added, "I can't tell you where we were. That's secret."
"Are you in danger often?" Sara bit her lower lip and turned away from him.
"Sometimes, but not as often as some of the men. The head of TF385 is Matt Patterson. George and I are his assistants." Sara started to speak, but he interrupted her, "Yes, the same Matt Patterson." Joe winked at her.
A pink tinge covered her cheeks as she touched her daughter's arm.
"How much homework do you have?"
"Math and Spanish."
"Help me clear the table, then you better get started. I'll wash the dishes later."
"I brought dessert. You ladies need to be a little more patient," he said over his shoulder as he walked into the kitchen.
He returned with three bowls, spoons, and a half-gallon of ice cream. "Ready for ice cream?"
"Umm, butter pecan, my favorite. How did you know?" She glanced at her mom. "Did you tell him?"
"No, I didn't. It's my favorite too. How did you know?"
"I called Dani and asked what I should bring for dessert. She suggested butter pecan ice cream. It's also her favorite."
"I need to start dishes." Sara stood and started toward the kitchen.
"But, you said you'd do them later." Cassie accepted a bowl of ice cream from Joe.
"I changed my mind."
Joe sighed and followed Sara to the kitchen. "I detected a little jealousy in your voice." He stood behind her.
She kept her back to him. "I don't know what you're talking about."
He put his hands on her shoulder and turned her around.
"Is Dani a girlfriend?" she blurted. "Is she a significant other?"
Joe grinned. "You're definitely jealous." He moved his hands from her shoulders to her elbows, caressing gently. "Dani is Matt's wife. They have two children. Drew's three years old and Emily's six months. Matt and Dani are very much in love. Dani's like a little sister, and I'm an uncle to their kids."
"I feel like an idiot." She stared out the kitchen window.
"Please don't." He hesitated, wondering how to make her feel better. "Let's finish our ice cream, then I'll help with the dishes." He put his hand against the small of her back and led her into the dining room.
Cassie set the spoon in the bowl. "What did I miss?"
"Everything's fine. I forgot to fill your mom in on some important information." He lifted a spoon of ice cream to his mouth.
They ate in silence, and then Cassie started her homework while Sara went to the kitchen.
Joe followed. "I said I'd help." He glanced around the kitchen. "Where's the dishwasher?"
"This is my grandma's old house." Sara smiled. "We do dishes the old fashioned way."
"I used to help Josh mow Grandma Riley's yard." He looked up at the ceiling. "Our sophomore year we put a new roof on this place." He glanced around. "I didn't realize she died."
"Two years ago, she was eighty-three years old. She willed her house to Cassie and me. Until then we lived above the hardware store."
"You want to wash or dry?" Joe gently pushed her aside with his hips.
"I'll wash." She pushed back. She filled the sink with water and then turned toward him. "I'm sorry about ...."
"Don't worry about it," he interrupted. "But it's nice to know you care enough to get jealous." As she swallowed, he added, "I care enough about you to get jealous too; so we're even."
| Author Notes | This is as close as I could find for my impression of Joe. I hope you can agree. I want to thank my fans for their continued support. I am still cementing Joe and Sara's relationship. I am questioning if this chapter post works. I'm not sure. |
By barbara.wilkey
BACKGROUND:
Joe helped Sara with the dishes as they continued to get reacquainted.
"You want to wash or dry?" Joe gently pushed her aside with his hips.
"I'll wash." She pushed back. She filled the sink with water and turned toward him. "I'm sorry about ...."
"Don't worry about it," he interrupted. "But it's nice to know you care enough to get jealous." As she gulped, he added, "I care enough about you to get jealous too; so we're even." He lifted a plate to dry.
"You've traveled to all the major cities in the US and around the world, haven't you?" After Joe nodded, Sara continued, "My life must seem boring to you."
He dried the last plate and put the stack in a cabinet. "Your life seems perfect to me. I've enjoyed the time I've spent with you and Cassie."
"I bet your parents want to spend more time with you. Your mom was really excited about your visit." She set the last pan in the strainer.
"I spent most of the day with them." He dried it and put it away. "I'll leave early enough to spend time with them before they go to bed. They don't mind me visiting with you." He folded the towel and they walked into the living room.
Cassie slammed a book on the table. "Mom, I can't do this. I don't understand."
Joe stood beside her. "What's the problem?" He turned the book over so he could read the cover. "Maybe I can help. I'm fluent in Spanish."
"Really?" She searched for the page and then pointed to the sentence: Compro' esto ayer. "Here, I don't know what it says. I can't find 'compro' in this dictionary." She held up a small, thick, paperback Spanish dictionary
"The sentence roughly translates to: I bought this yesterday. 'Compro' comes from the verb 'comprar', which means to buy. The secret to Spanish is you have to conjugate the verbs." Joe watched over her shoulder and assisted when necessary. When she finished the assignment, he said, "I'm surprised you're taking Spanish in eighth grade."
Cassie turned on the computer and glanced toward her mom. "She's making me, or I wouldn't be. Thank you for the help." She read the computer screen and laughed. "Angela wants to know if Mr. Joe can come to school for career day next Wednesday and discuss secret agent stuff."
Sara glanced at Joe. "He leaves Sunday. I don't think he'll be available."
Joe smiled. "Sorry, Cassie." He stood beside the computer table. "Is Angela your friend? Are you in a chat room?"
Sara stood beside him. "They're best friends. They see each other all day at school, then at softball practice. I don't know what they possibly find to discuss. Once homework and chores are done they're either on the phone or the computer."
Cassie rolled her eyes at her mom. "To answer Mr. Joe's question, we're instant messaging each other."
"Do you chat with other people at the same time?"
"Sometimes, but it's usually just Angela and me. Sometimes someone requests to join us. We can let them or not, but I think most people go elsewhere." She typed a little, then added, "Once in awhile we'll let someone join us."
Joe glanced at Sara and grinned. "Want to go outside and chat with me?"
"Sure." She followed him to the porch. "What do you want to chat about?"
"I don't know. I just wanted some alone time with you." He took her hand. "Cassie's great, but once in a while I like being alone with you."
Sara tilted her head. "How many languages do you speak?"
"You're cute when you're frustrated," he said, grinning. "I'm fluent in four languages and I'm learning Pashto, the official language of Afghanistan."
"I struggle to speak correct English." She blew out a deep breath. "You've been all over the world, speak four languages, and can cook. What else can you do?"
Before he could answer, Cassie called, "Mom, Angela says her mom wants to remind you about the youth services bake sale during Saturday's game."
Sara and Joe walked inside. "Did she say what she wanted me to bring and what time she wants me to work?"
Joe glanced over Cassie's shoulder. "What does POS mean?"
"Nothing." Her computer screen went blank. "I guess Angela's mom didn't have anything else to say." She stood, then turned on the TV. Cassie watched four couples dance, before she asked, "Mom, will you dance at your reunion?"
Sara's cheeks flushed pink. "I don't know. I may not be asked."
Cassie smiled at Joe. "You do dance, don't you?"
"Of course." He turned off the TV and turned the radio dial until he found a soft music station. He held out his arms toward Sara. "May I have this dance?"
She stepped toward Joe. "I'm not very good."
"I have a feeling we'll make perfect dancing partners. Don't you agree, Cassie?"
"I've never seen Mom dance. I think you're supposed to stand a little closer to your partner."
Sara chewed on her bottom lip and stepped back. "Cassie, why don't you show me how it's supposed to be done."
"Stand like this." She stood in front of Joe. He's supposed to put his arms around you like this." Joe grinned as he placed his arms around Cassie. "Now Mom, you're supposed to step in closer like this." She took a step. "See, now try it." Moving aside, she left a space for her mother.
Joe noticed Sara release a deep breath and took Cassie's arm. "I think you need to be my partner." He was careful to keep a large distance between himself and Cassie.
After the thirteenth time Cassie stepped on his feet, he smiled at Sara. "Are you ready to give it a try?"
"I don't feel I have a choice." She swallowed. "I guess I'm ready."
Cassie stepped aside. "Go for it, Mom."
Joe put his arms around Sara, leaving a gap. "It's not so bad, is it?"
"I guess not, but if I step on your feet fourteen times, it'll be embarrassing."
"I won't let you," he whispered in her ear. "Just follow my lead." They continued dancing until the phone rang.
"Excuse me." Sara hesitated before picking it up. When she hung up, she walked toward the door. "It was Angela's mom with information about the bake sale. Joe, would you like to go back outside?" As they sat on the porch swing, she asked, "You've a lot of experience with women, don't you?"
"I wondered how long it'd take you to make the jump from cooking, to traveling, to languages, to dancing, to women." He fingered a blonde highlight. "Your hair's beautiful in the moonlight." He stared into her eyes. "Yes, I have experience with women. Not as much as you think I do, but enough. Is that a problem?"
"Not really." She stared at her hands. "The only man I have experience with is my dad, but it's not the same."
Joe laughed. "I hope not." He paused for a moment. "You have experience with Cassie's father, don't you?"
She stood and turned toward the door.
He gently took her hand, hoping she wouldn't go inside. "Up to this point, we've been honest with each other. I'm not forcing you to discuss him, but have enough courage to say 'I don't want to.' Don't just leave."
When moisture filled her eyes, he moved his hand. "I'm sorry. I'll call and let you know what time I'll pick you up tomorrow evening." He turned to leave.
"Joe, wait." She put her hand on his arm.
He stopped and turned around. "It's not necessary...."
"We only had sex once, so I don't have a lot of experience with him either," she interrupted.
"Were you ... raped?"
"No."
He released a slow breath.
Cassie opened the door. "Mom, Grandma called and wants you to call her. She says it's important."
"I'd better see what she wants." She walked to the door, brushing tears from her cheeks.
| Author Notes | Thank you Celia Claase for the lovely artwork, 'The Dance'. I want to thank all my fans for continuing to support me. I am laying some important background information that will you need in the future. |
By barbara.wilkey
CHAPTER THREE
Early the following morning, Sara opened the front door to check the weather and saw Joe bending over on the sidewalk. "What are you doing?" She rested her head against the doorframe.
"I'm stretching." While he touched his shoes, he added, "Last night you mentioned you jog to work." He stood, glanced, and pointed toward the hardware store. "I'm guessing it's about five miles straight down that road. How long does it take you? About fifty minutes?" Stretching his arms over his head, he chuckled.
"It takes me a little over thirty minutes." She adjusted her ball cap and smiled. "Afraid I might beat you?"
"Not a chance."
"Come on in." She held the door open. "Cassie's not ready, yet. I won't leave until she's on her way to school."
She watched Joe walk up the sidewalk. He's probably six feet two inches tall and weighs maybe two hundred fifteen pounds of pure muscle. He wore a light gray athletic T-shirt, and she couldn't help but notice muscle definition.
Sara noticed his dancing brown eyes slide down her body. She forced herself to take a deep breath to keep her desires under control. I need to remember he leaves Sunday and this is already Friday.
Joe walked up the porch steps and put his arms around her waist.
"Mom?" called a voice from the hallway.
"Sorry." Joe stepped away and faced the street.
"Cassie? Did you lose something?" Sara turned and tried to conceal the flush that overcame her cheeks.
"What's wrong?" Cassie's eyes darted from her mom to Joe. When no one answered, she continued, "Where's my blue jacket? Don't forget I'm eating at Angela's tonight. Where's my book bag?" She lifted a pillow from the couch and searched.
Joe laughed, pretending to scan the room for damage. "Did a hurricane just enter?"
"Nope, just my fourteen-year-old daughter," Sara muttered, then said to Cassie, "Nothing's wrong, and yes, I remember you're eating at Angela's. I'll be home late, but I want you home and in bed by eleven." She glanced around the room. "Your book bag's on the left side of the couch, and your blue jacket is, of all places; in the coat closet."
"You actually followed what she said, didn't you?" He rubbed his unshaven chin.
"I grew into following it as she learned to talk."
Cassie grabbed her jacket and book bag, then pecked her mom's cheek. "'Bye Mom, I need to run. I'm late." As she shut the front door, she turned. "Have fun at your reunion." She grinned at Joe. "Hi, and 'bye Mr. Joe. Oh yeah, don't forget to ask Mom to dance tonight."
"She's a burst of energy. You've done a great job with her."
"Thank you." She glanced down the road. "Did you jog here from your parents'?"
"Yep, I'm used to ten mile runs."
"I don't believe you came all this way just to see how long it takes me to jog five miles. You're on vacation. Why are you even up this early?" Cautiously, she eyed him.
"I can't pull anything over on you, can I?" He stepped closer and lifted the cap from her head. "I like the pigtails. You used to wear your hair in braids."
After she retrieved the ball cap from him, she replaced it. "Why are you here and why are you avoiding my questions?" I'll see if he avoids direct ones.
"Because I don't want to admit you're getting to me." Pink caressed her cheeks, and he placed his hand on her arm. "When I left the past two nights, you had tears in your eyes. Today, I can't take you to lunch. I'm speaking at our moms ladies' group."
"So you came over now?" She grinned. "That's sweet."
"Not really, or I wouldn't have made you cry. I'm batting a thousand. Making a lady cry isn't something you want a high batting average in."
"I doubt it's your fault. Maybe I cry easily."
He brushed the back of his fingers across her cheek. "Each time you've had a good reason. You've never really cried, just had moist eyes. I have a feeling you're very strong."
Boy, do I have him fooled. She released a deep breath. "We better leave or I might start crying."
He held the door for her. "Let's go. I've promised myself I'm not going to make you cry again."
"You shouldn't make promises you don't have any control over." She grabbed a rucksack from the floor and put it over her back. "My clothes." She answered and he stared at the bag.
"I'm avoiding any subject with potential for tears, especially when it's time to leave." He took her hands in his and rubbed the back of them with his thumbs. "I'm not leaving the next time there are tears in your eyes. You mean too much to me."
Not sure what to say, she changed the subject. "I'm going to be late. Think Dad will fire me?"
"I doubt you could do anything that would cause your dad to fire you. I remember how he spoiled you rotten. If Josh or I did or said even the smallest thing, your dad would come to the rescue. I bet he still does." He let go of her hands, wiped his forehead, and grinned. "I have a feeling it's rubbing off on me." He stared down the street. "Let's go."
*****
At the door of the hardware store, Sara bent over to her knees, breathed heavily and glanced at her watch. "That was a little over a six minute mile." She took another deep breath and released it. "I do seven minute miles." She stood, took a water bottle from her rucksack, and drank. "Let me guess. It was a little slow for you."
With labored breathing, Joe walked around in a circle. "I do about five minute miles, but it was still a good workout. There were a couple of hills. The hill on Eleventh Street is steep."
"I better get inside and shower." She reached for the door handle.
Joe put his hand against the door. "I'll pick you up at six o'clock." When she smiled, he added, "Good, no tears." He flipped her pigtail. "See you tonight, munchkin." He turned toward the street to continue his trip home.
Sara called after him, "I'm not a munchkin. I grew up."
He called over his shoulder, "That you did and quite nicely."
Her eyes slid down his broad shoulders to his slim waist and hips. She smiled, watching his muscular legs move in the black shorts. She shook her head. There's no way we could ever have a serious relationship. He lives five hundred miles away. I live--
"Sara, are you coming to work or standing on the sidewalk all day? Get in before all the flies in town follow you." Her father's voice boomed.
She sighed. With Daddy. A smile crossed her face. "I wonder what tonight's reunion will bring. I'm sure it will be interesting."
| Author Notes | Thank you for your continued support. This is the first part of chapter three. The reunion is next. |
By barbara.wilkey
Joe glanced at his watch. It's exactly 1800 hours. I wonder if Sara's ready. He knocked on the door and heard the hurried clicking of heels on the tile floor.
"Come in." As Sara opened the door, she smiled and stepped aside.
"Let me look at you." He circled around her, sighed at her flat stomach, and perfectly flared hips. Wow! What a figure! "You look fantastic. That dress makes your eyes sparkle."
"I'm not quite ready." She glanced around the room. "I need Cassie, but she's at softball practice."
He noticed frustration in her voice. "Maybe I can help. What do you need?"
"I got the zipper up but I can't get the hook-n-eye fastened." She turned her back to him. "I'd be embarrassed if my top fell. Just imagine the talk around town."
"As tight as it is, I'm pretty sure it isn't going anywhere. Can you breathe?" He laughed, fastening the hook.
"This is supposed to be tight." She held out the sides of the eggplant colored, long flowing skirt. "It's not tight here."
Making an effort not to stare at her, he searched the room. "I see the florist delivered the flowers."
She walked to them, bent down, and inhaled the aroma of a rose. "This is the first time in my life someone's sent me red roses. When I delivered Cassie, my parents brought a mixed-flower bouquet to the hospital." She turned toward Joe. "Thank you, but you didn't need to send so many. One rose would've been plenty. Two dozen are too much."
She's about five feet six inches tall and weighs maybe one hundred twenty pounds. His eyes continued searching her petite body. That strapless gown shows a slight muscle definition in her arms and upper back. Probably from the lifting, she does at the hardware store. "When the florist delivered them, did you smile?"
"What woman wouldn't smile? But I would've smiled at one rose."
"I bet two dozen received a bigger smile and your dimples were so cute the delivery man wanted to kiss you himself." He grinned as he thought about that image. "Your blue eyes must've sparkled. Did you do a little dance?"
A blush covered her face. "I refuse to answer that."
"You did." He chuckled. "I should've brought them myself. I would've enjoyed seeing that." He glanced at his watch. "Ready?"
"Can you do one more thing for me?" She stared at her right hand.
"Sure, what do you need?"
With her pointer finger held up, she glanced at him. "I chipped the nail polish when I put on my earrings. If I fix it, I'll smear the other nails. Will you take it off, then polish it?" She held up polish remover, a cotton ball, and a bottle of deep red polish.
Joe shook his head and sighed. "This is the first time I've polished a lady's nails." Under his breath he added, "What Task Force men won't do for the women in their lives?" He reached his hand out. "Give me that remover." With a cotton ball, he rubbed. "Can I add this to my resume?"
"You can add it to your resume for being a nice man, but not your professional one." She giggled. "Unless you're applying for a job as a manicurist."
At least it's not the little finger. The one she's wrapped me around. Joe admired the fresh coat of polish. "Looks good. Can we go, now? I'm afraid of what else you have for me to do." His grin reflected how much he enjoyed teasing her.
She blew gently on the fingernail. "It's almost dry." Again, she glanced at the roses, walked over, and smelled them, before she looked at Joe and smiled. "Thank you so much. You've made tonight perfect."
"Tonight hasn't happened, yet," he teased.
"It has for me." She studied her fingernail. "It's dry." A deep breath escaped. "There's going to be comments about ...."
"My shoulders are broad and strong." He put his arm around her waist and drew her close. "Anytime you need to lean on them, I'm here for you."
Moisture filled her eyes.
Reaching up, he caressed her cheek. "I turn into putty when you cry. Can we do this without tears?"
"I'll do my best, but I can't promise."
He opened the door, took her hand, and led her onto the porch.
"No, you didn't, no!" She grabbed his arm and stared at a white limousine.
"How else were we going to get to the reunion?"
"You own a new Porsche. That would've been perfect."
"It's almost a year old. I wanted to take you out in style. We can stand here and admire it all night or get in and go to the reunion." He searched her eyes and grinned. "Good, no tears."
*****
As Joe and Sara walked inside the restaurant, the hostess led them toward a back room with a long table set up for the reunion. The closer they came, the more former classmates stared at them.
"Excuse me, ma'am." Joe reached inside his pocket, removed some bills, and handed it to the lady. "I'm selfish. I prefer not sharing my date with anyone. Could we sit at that table?" He pointed to a table across the room.
After Joe held the chair for Sara to sit and seated himself, she stared into his eyes. "You can't protect me all night. I'll be all right, really."
"You're my date. It's my job to protect you and make sure you have a good time." His eyes twinkled, and he grinned. "You're stuck with me for the night, but I'll do my best to show you a good time."
"See those men sitting over there?" She patted his hand and glanced toward the classmates. After he nodded, she said, "Not one of them holds a candle to you." With her head tilted, she smiled. "Not only are you the most handsome man here, but you're always a perfect gentleman."
She readjusted the water glass and silverware. "I've been in awe of everything you've done for me tonight and forgot to tell you how handsome you are in your uniform. Your medals are very impressive." She stared into his eyes. "I'm a sucker for a man in uniform."
"You should never admit that. Not all uniformed men are gentlemen." He stood, walked toward her, and held his hand for her to take. "Care to dance?" He led her to a small open area between the tables. As he put his arms around her, he kissed her.
When the kiss ended, she gulped. "You didn't need to do that for their benefit."
"I didn't. I did it for my benefit, and hopefully yours. I've wanted to kiss you since we first met, but I didn't think I should in front of your fourteen-year-old daughter."
She tightened her arms around him. "As usual you're a perfect gentleman. How many men would be concerned about the effect something might have on a child, especially a teenager?"
Ginger appeared beside them. "Excuse me. I don't mean to interrupt this little dance, but the ballroom is already set for dancing. Think you can wait an hour?"
Joe chuckled and shook his head as they watched her walk away.
| Author Notes | Thank you Snopaw for your beautiful artwork, "Dreaming Roses. Again, I appreciate all my fans for your continued support and the wonderful reviews. |
By barbara.wilkey
Joe led Sara to the hotel's ballroom. As they stood in the doorway, a former male classmate walked up to her. "This live band is really good. Why don't we take a spin around the dance floor for old time sake?"
"My dance card's only open for my date." She squeezed Joe's hand.
He studied Joe, before turning toward Sara. "Are you going to introduce us?"
Joe watched the medium-built man size him up, then he noticed Sara's nervousness and held out his hand. "I'm Joe Barnes, and you are?"
"Roy Moore. Sara and I were classmates." He adjusted his suit jacket. "Joe Barnes? Are you the same Joe Barnes who holds all the track records and who led the football team to its first and only state championship? You went to West Point, right?" He eyed Sara. "How do you know her and why are you slumming?"
Joe put his arm around Sara's waist. "To start with, I'm not slumming."
"You're about ten years older than us," he interrupted. "Maybe you don't know her reputation. I'll fill ...."
"I'm not interested," Joe snapped. "If I did an investigation into your past, I'm sure I'd find skeletons."
Roy drew his shoulders back and crossed his arms over his chest. "I'm not sure you know who you're speaking to."
"You're the youngest of five Moore brothers." The twinkle in Joe's eyes showed a glimpse of his confidence. "I'm positive you don't know who I am."
"You're in the Army, so what?"
Joe stepped closer, shortening the distance between Roy and himself. Roy grabbed Joe's right arm. Joe reached over with his left hand and placed two fingers in the groove on the underside of Roy's wrist. Joe's thumb was on top of his wrist as he squeezed, compressing the blood vessels and nerves. A smile crossed Joe's face. I wonder if he's in enough pain, yet.
"Joe, he's not worth it," whispered Sara. "I feel like dancing. Please?"
His brown eyes softened, and he glanced toward her. "All right." They turned and walked away.
Roy chuckled. "You let a woman tell you what to do?" He shook his head. "What a wimp!"
Joe stopped to address the comment, but Roy rubbed his wrist, turned, and hurried away.
Sara touched Joe's arm. "Please ...?"
Placing his hand on the small of her back, he led her to the dance floor. Sara leaned closer, resting her head against his shoulder. "You need my shoulder and I'm the reason for it. I'm sorry."
"I'm sorry you were drawn into this. I was afraid something like this might happen. Maybe we should leave." She stared into his eyes.
Slowly he kissed her. "I won't allow some jerk to force us to leave." He tightened his arms, as she again leaned against his shoulder. After a few dances, Joe lifted her chin to look into her eyes. "Just checking for tears."
"No tears. Your arms make me feel safe. Like nothing could ever hurt me."
"Good." He adjusted his arms, holding her tighter.
After another dance, Joe led Sara to the side of the dance floor. "Would you like something to drink?"
"No, I don't drink or eat anything at functions like this."
Her response caused his eyebrows to rise. "Why not?"
She faced the dance floor before she took his hand in hers. "At my senior prom, my drink was spiked and I didn't know it." She brushed a strand of hair from her cheek before she gulped. "I know you probably don't believe me, but I honestly didn't know the punch was spiked."
He moved his arm around her waist. "I believe you. Let's step outside."
Sara stood on the sidewalk and stared at the stars. "The sky's beautiful tonight, isn't it?"
"It is." He kissed her cheek and waited for her to continue.
"I got stumbling drunk." She studied the ground, slightly lifted her gown, and then stared at her high-heels.
Joe's impatience took over. "Is that the night you got pregnant?"
"Yes, in the backseat of a Chevy." She glanced at Joe with moisture in her eyes.
When he saw tears, he took her in his arms. "Come here." Holding her he asked, "How much did you remember the following morning?"
She stepped back. "I've never talked about this before. Not even with my parents." She swallowed, wrung her hands, and then continued, "I remember parking in our driveway. I vaguely remember kissing. Somehow, I fell getting out of the car, and he helped me up. Instead of helping me to the front door, he opened the car's back door and sort of shoved me inside; but I don't remember how. We laughed and talked about not making it to the front door."
She closed her eyes, as tears streamed down her cheeks. After taking Joe's hand and squeezing it, she whispered, "My next memory; him inside me. I don't know how it happened." Joe dried the tears, as she said, "I don't remember anything else until the following morning. I woke up in my bed fully dressed, except for my panties. I couldn't find them." As Joe held her, she wept.
Ginger walked outside. "Oh, excuse me, but Sara was our homecoming queen and she's needed inside. Maybe you can continue this little tryst later." She giggled as she adjusted the halter-top of her black evening gown.
Joe turned toward Ginger. "We'll be in later. Continue with something else until then."
After Ginger left, Sara glanced up at Joe. "Thank you."
"I'll always come to your defense. You don't deserve any of this." He hesitated. "Fifteen years is a little late to find this out, but you were too drunk to give consent. You were a victim of date rape."
With tears rolling down her cheeks, she whispered, "You mean I'm not a slut?"
"You could never be a slut." He kissed the side of her head. "When you told him you were pregnant, did he breakup with you?"
Sara stepped back and took a deep breath. "No, he broke up with me before that." She turned her back to him, took a deep breath, before she faced him again. "He didn't call or come by at all Saturday. Sunday after church, I was walking to the car. He drove up, rolled down the window and handed me my panties. He said he found them in the backseat."
She wiped a tear from her cheek. "He said he went to a party after he dropped me off and met someone."
"When you began to show, did he ask if the baby was his?" Joe rubbed his chin.
"Nope, he never acknowledged there was even the possibility he could be the father."
"He must be a real SOB." Joe noticed Ginger peek around the door. "I told you we'd be in when we're ready." He took Sara's hand. "Whenever you're ready, we'll go inside. There's no reason to rush it." He glanced toward the door. "Is he here?"
Sara studied the door. "Yes."
"I'll understand if you want to leave." Joe released a deep breath.
"I promised myself after Cassie was born I wouldn't live as a hermit. I refuse to give him any more control of my life." Studying her hand in Joe's, she sighed. "There's one good thing that came out of this." She looked into his eyes. "I have Cassie, and she's a wonderful daughter."
"That she is. You can be proud of her." He drew her closer. "I think this is one of the times you need to lean on me." As she cuddled in, he said, "Take all the time you need, we have all night."
*****
When Sara and Joe walked into the ballroom, Rich Harrison, the class president, stood center stage and announced, "Sara Riley, would you step up here?"
Sara glanced at Joe and released a deep breath before she let go of his hand and walked up the stage stairs.
Joe watched, then searched the crowd wondering which man was Cassie's father.
Rich smiled at Sara, as the classmates surrounded the stage. "I'd like to present our homecoming queen, Sara Riley." After the applause stopped, Rich said, "Sara, this next dance is your choice."
Roy ran up the stairs. "I guess we still have one dance left."
Sara smiled at Rich. "If I remember right, the homecoming queen gets to choose her partner, right?"
"But, I'm the quarterback." Roy stood beside Sara.
"I guess you fumbled, again." Rich, a tall slender man, smiled and asked Sara, "Who would you like as your partner?"
As Sara stared at Joe, he grinned and started up the stairs. Stepping between Sara and Roy, he put his arm around her waist. "Are you ready for your dance?"
Smiling, she whispered, "Sorry, I hope you don't mind being in the spotlight."
Drawing her closer, he grinned. "I would've been upset if you didn't choose me." After he led her to the dance floor, Joe put both arms around her. As she cuddled in, he asked, "Is everything all right?"
"It is now."
| Author Notes |
Thank you Pucker for your artwork Fighting Time. This is my view of Joe and Roy during their meeting. Again I appreciate all the support you give me. THANK YOU!!!
More information about the reunion evening will follow. |
By barbara.wilkey
CHAPTER FOUR
Joe placed his hand on the small of Sara's back and led her toward the white limousine. He noticed her searching the area. "Is there a problem?"
"Not really. I didn't wear a watch and wondered about the time." She lifted her wrist.
He glanced at his. "It's eleven fifteen." Removing the cell phone from his back pocket, he offered it to her. "Call home and make sure Cassie's all right."
"It's not necessary. I'm sure she's fine."
"I want you to enjoy yourself. I don't want you worrying about your daughter." He placed it in her hand. "Now call."
After a short conversation, she handed the phone back. "Cassie's safe and all the doors are locked." She smiled. "Thank you. I do feel better."
Leaning over, he kissed her cheek, helped her inside, and then sat down beside her. "Would you like to get something to eat or drink before we go somewhere more private?"
Her eyebrows rose as she stared at him. "I'm not sure."
He hesitated and took her hand. "I promise there won't be a repeat of your senior prom." Running his fingers through his short brown hair, he continued, "I'm thirsty and I'm guessing you are too. You haven't had a drink since dinner. I thought we could go somewhere private and get to know each other better. We never get time alone. There are parents, Cassie, and townspeople around us everywhere we go." Joe motioned for the driver they were ready.
Sara gulped and stared out the side window. "Do you have a badge?"
"Why?" While he waited for her response, he removed it from his back pocket. "I have a badge, a military ID, a Task Force ID, and a driver's license. Would you like to see all of them?"
"Actually I would." She held out her hand and waited. After she examined each form of identification, their eyes met. "I don't see anything warning women 'be careful, this man's a heartbreaker.'"
"I don't plan on breaking your heart. I am very fond of you." He caressed her hand. "No, I'm in danger of falling in love with you, but I'm not ready to make a serious commitment. Before I could, I'd need reassurance you care for me more than a schoolgirl crush. There's the possibility you could hurt me."
Joe instructed the driver to park. After the limousine stopped, Joe got out and opened the door for Sara.
As she stepped from the car, he caressed her cheek with his finger. Holding her hand, he noticed moisture enter her eyes and roll down her cheeks. He shook his head. "I didn't mean to make you cry. I thought if I told you where I stood, you'd feel more comfortable." Sara searched her clutch for a tissue. Joe handed her a handkerchief. "Maybe this will help."
"Thank you." She took a deep breath and wiped her eyes. "My tears are because I never expected a man, or anyone, for that matter, to be so honest." She put her hand on his arm. "I have more than a schoolgirl crush on you. I'm falling in love with you and that scares me."
She lifted his wrist and glanced at his watch. "Tomorrow you'll leave. It's going to be hard to say goodbye. If I allow myself to get any closer to you, I'll only get hurt."
"Yes, I have to return to the Task Force. That doesn't mean I'll leave you."
"Five hundred miles is a little far for dating. Long distance relationships never work." She turned away from him.
"It's only five hundred miles. I've already worked on a plan to continue our relationship." He placed his hand under her chin and turned her face toward him.
"You've already admitted you're a workaholic and out of the country often. You couldn't sustain a relationship when you were both in the same town."
He laughed as he kissed her cheek. "Maybe I wasn't as motivated as I am now." Moisture, again, entered her eyes. He put his arms around her as he drew her closer. "Would you stop with the tears, already?"
"Only if you quit being nice."
"You're the first woman I've ever met who told a man to quit being nice."
She stepped back and stared at him. "Do you believe," she placed her hand against his chest, "in your heart we have a chance?"
After long slow kisses, he inhaled a deep breath. "Yes, I do."
Quickly she stepped back. "You shouldn't kiss me like that in a public parking lot."
"Come with me." He took her hand and led her toward the sidewalk. "This has gone on way too long."
"Where are we going?"
Joe didn't answer until he stopped at the center of the town square beside a Civil War cannon. "I'm sure once we left the reunion the cell phone companies made a fortune. Your classmates called everyone they knew and told them we were together. Not only were we together; but we danced and kissed."
Joe put his arms around Sara and shouted, "Residents of White Oak, PA. I, Joe Barnes, am holding Sara Riley in my arms, and now I am kissing her." His lips locked firmly with hers.
| Author Notes | This is the beginning of chapter 4 and is part of a novel. If you have not read the previous chapters, you will not understand the characters and why they act the way they do. This chapter will probably take four parts to post. We will get to know them better as they get to know each other. Thank you for supporting me. I appreciate each one of you. |
By barbara.wilkey
From my previous post:
Joe put his arms around Sara and shouted, "Residences of White Oak, PA. I, Joe Barnes, am holding Sara Riley in my arms, and now I am kissing her." His lips locked firmly with hers.
*****************************************************************************
When the kiss ended, Sara's eyes remained closed and she placed her right hand across her stomach. I hope Joe never discovers how that kiss affected me.
As Joe covered her hand with his, she opened her eyes and stared at their hands as her cheeks tinged with pink. Darn, he knows.
Joe grinned and kissed her cheek. "Don't be embarrassed. I felt the same desires."
"You just announced to the entire town we're--" She paused.
"Falling in love," he interrupted.
"At least it's the middle of the night. Most townspeople are asleep." Sara released a deep breath. I can't believe he did that.
"Why does falling in love embarrass you?"
"I'm not embarrassed. I'm scared."
"Let's go somewhere else. We need to talk." He led her back to the white limousine. Joe opened the door and asked the driver, "Did you get drinks?" After he nodded, Joe continued, "Take us to my house."
In the driveway, Joe sent the limousine driver home and helped Sara into his yellow Porsche. "I had planned on going to the lake, but I think the bluff above the river will be more private. Is that all right?" She nodded,and then they drove to the bluff.
Sara watched the rows of streetlights, until Joe turned left away from the town lights. I wonder what he has planned. He's been a perfect gentleman. Will that change?
Joe helped her from the car, before he removed a small cooler and a blanket from the back seat. "Come on."
He spread the blanket on the grass and sat. "Want to sit beside me?" As Sara sat, Joe opened the cooler and took out a bottle of soda. "I understand if you want to open it yourself."
"It doesn't matter. I'm safe with you."
"Good." He opened it and handed it to her. "I've always liked this spot. Josh and I would double date. After the movie, this is where we brought the girls. I guess it's ironic I've brought his baby sister here." He scanned the river. "Look, there's a barge coming this way."
She glanced toward the boat. "It's late for river activity. I guess they're running behind." Sara smoothed out a wrinkle in the blanket. "This is a major make-out place. You said you were well behaved in high school."
"I was. No sex or alcohol. When I was young, drugs weren't a big issue. We did a lot of kissing." He chuckled before he continued; "We touched a few breasts, but always through the clothes. Never were brave enough to go under a blouse and we tried making that look like an accident."
His eyes twinkle when he grins. That's not fair.
He kissed her cheek, then stared in her eyes. "I've already admitted I wasn't a saint in college. I took the first opportunity I had to have sex and the same with drinking." He caressed her hand. "By the time I was --" He scratched his head. "Twenty-one, maybe twenty-two, I realized meaningless relationships weren't that great."
"You didn't need to share that with me."
"I know, but I thought it might help you understand my motives." He took his billfold from his back pocket and opened it to a photograph. "I'm sure you recognize my parents." After passing the photos, he stopped. "This is Matt." He pointed to each picture as he spoke. "His wife, Dani. Drew, their three year old and Emily, their infant daughter."
"Dani's beautiful."
"That she is, but she's just as beautiful on the inside. When you meet her, you'll understand what I'm saying." He hesitated. "Remember when I told you Matt and I were roommates? Well, Matt has four older sisters. He grew up respecting women. It wasn't long before he taught me that lesson." Joe stared at the photograph. "Matt also taught me how to be a gentleman. Being an only child, I was pretty spoilt. Anyway, Matt led by example and I'm who I am today because of him."
"Did you tell me this because I confessed what happened after my senior prom?"
He wiped a strand of hair from her cheek and then used his fingers to highlight confessed. "I'm not sure 'confessed' is the correct term. You didn't do anything that needed to be confessed. You were a victim."
"The stars are beautiful." She stared up at the night sky. "They look so close I could almost reach up and touch them." A loud sigh escaped her lips. "I'm not sure being a victim is any better than being a slut." She glanced at him. "I guess it doesn't make any difference. The outcome's the same." I screwed up my entire life.
"I'd think knowing you weren't at fault would make you feel better about yourself."
She thought for a little while. "I still chose to go out with him. He had a reputation of being a bad boy. I should've known he was trouble."
"So you made the age old mistake of thinking the love of a good woman can change the bad boy into a good one."
She shrugged her shoulders. "Probably, he didn't change. I was date raped and pregnant. He got a new girl friend, and I haven't dated since." I can't believe I was so stupid. He went on with his life as if nothing ever happened and I've struggled to make ends meet.
Joe put his arm around her shoulders. "That's not true. I'm dating you and having a wonderful time."
She leaned her head on his shoulder. "True, and you're a very wonderful man." I feel so comfortable with you, but I'd better be careful. I've already proven I don't make good decisions where men are concerned. I can't afford another mistake.
"You think so? Even with my youthful indiscretions," he teased.
"Joe, do you believe things work out a certain way for a reason?"
"What do you mean?" He kissed her cheek.
"Maybe I wasn't supposed to date--" I can't believe I just said that. She hesitated, then said, "Never mind, it's silly."
"You're wondering if you were supposed to raise Cassie by yourself so you'd be available when we met at the right place and right time."
He even reads minds. She blushed. "It sounds silly said out loud, doesn't it?" She stared toward the water. "It is silly. You're going home tomorrow." I'm not going to let you break my heart.
"Come here." He pulled her closer to him and kissed her. "I'm not going to break your heart. I told you I'm planning on seeing you until you give me walking papers."
| Author Notes | Thank you Wolfdancer 13 for the beautiful artwork Descending Sun. To me it represents the river bluffs Joe and Sara are looking over as they discover more about each other's lives and we see a little insight to Sara's emotions. This is part two of chapter 4 and is part of a novel. If you have not read the previous chapters, you will not understand the characters and why they act as they do. This chapter will probably take four parts to post. We will get to know them better as they get to know each other. Thank you for supporting me. I appreciate each one of you. I couldn't post Sunday. I thought I would post yesterday, but did too much and ended up back in bed. I need to learn limitations. |
By barbara.wilkey
From the previous post:
"Come here." Joe drew Sara closer and kissed her. "I'm not going to break your heart. I told you I'm planning on seeing you until you give me walking papers."
****************************************************************************
Joe's kisses grew more passionate. I need to stop while I can. He held out his billfold. "I have a few more pictures I'd like to show you." He flipped to a new photo. "This is Steven Albright, our team chief, and his wife, Leya. She's pregnant with twins and due in about a month."
"She's very pretty. Are all Task Force wives beautiful?"
"You'd fit right in. You're beautiful." He grinned as he leaned over and kissed her. When the kiss ended, he watched her slip off her heels and stretch her feet. "Why'd you remove your shoes?"
"I usually wear sneakers all day, so these heels make my feet tired. I bet Task Force wives wear heels, don't they?"
Joe moved to the edge of the blanket and massaged her feet. "Dani's most comfortable with bare feet." He smiled. "Leya isn't fitting into any shoes right now, but normally she wears five-inch stilettos. When you were pregnant with Cassie, did your feet swell?"
"They did. I gained so much weight I looked like a large round pumpkin. Dad teased me."
He scanned her body and grinned. "You must've easily taken it off."
"Mom said the weight came off because I was so young."
"Was the delivery hard? I've heard young mothers have hard deliveries."
"I was in labor around eighteen hours. It was scary. I couldn't control my body and didn't understand what was happening."
"I sure wish I knew you then and I could have been there for you."
She moaned, pulled her feet from Joe's hand, and sipped her soda.
Joe moved closer and wiped a strand of hair from her cheek. "Don't be embarrassed. I have the same desires, but I didn't bring you here to make love to you. I know you're not comfortable with me, yet."
"My feelings for you scare me."
"I understand. That's the reason when I kissed you a little while ago I stopped. I enjoyed it more than I should've at this point in our relationship."
Sara chewed her lower lip. "I can trust you, right?"
"You can trust me. I care for you way too much to do something that would cause you not to trust me."
Joe's kiss to her cheek moved to her lips where it lingered. He took a deep breath. "I'll always see that you're protected." He scooted away. "What else would you like to know about me?"
Sara tilted her head. "You know what my typical days are like. I get up, scoot Cassie off to school, and then work at Dad's hardware store." She frowned as she added, "Then I repeat the whole process. What's your typical day like?"
"Fair question. I get up around five-thirty and do PT that's physical training. Then around eight-thirty my day starts. If I'm at the Task Force, my days are actually simple. I run down information on drug cartel movements; basically I'm just a watch dog."
He took a drink of soda, then tossed a rock toward the edge of the bluff. "I also keep an eye on our families, making sure the cartels don't do something to attack us through them. Dani's especially vulnerable because she's our computer hacker." He grinned. "I spend many hours pulling surveillance on drug deals."
"That sounds interesting, but dangerous."
"It's a lot of long hours sitting in a car or van drinking cold coffee. The younger agents go undercover, so we can get closer to the kingpins who sell the drugs. They never go out unless there's backup. Their lives are at risk every time they're on the streets."
After adjusting himself on the blanket, he said, "On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons I have martial arts training. Tuesday's and Thursday's are for weapons training." His voice suddenly grew serious. "I can't tell you what happens when I leave the country. It's not because I don't trust you, but because it could put you in danger."
"I understand. Your life is so much more exciting than mine. You must get really bored when you come home to White Oak."
"I happen to find you very exciting. For the rest of White Oak, it's where I came from. I'm proud of that." He glanced at this watch. "It's late." He grinned and teased, "Or early, I guess it depends how you look at it. Anyway, I had better get you home. You need to make cookies in the morning for Cassie's team bake sale." He stared at his billfold. "I wish I had a picture of you and Cassie. Think you can give me one?" After she nodded, he continued, "I'll put it in the front so it's the first one I see."
He leaned over and kissed her. "I'm not ready for tonight to end." As their kisses became passionate, and their breathing rate increased, Joe gulped and stood. He took her hands and helped her up. "We need to get you home."
Sara bent over to pick up her heels. "Wait, I need to put these on."
Joe picked her up and carried her to the car. "You can put them on in here." He set her inside the car and then went back to gather the cooler and the blanket.
As Joe started the car, Sara stared at him. "Thank you for tonight. It was perfect."
He reached over and touched her hand. "Are you sure? We hit a few rough spots."
"I'm positive. You make me feel safe, almost unguarded. You don't judge my mistakes and accept me for who I am. I don't have to pretend around you."
At the next stoplight, Joe leaned over and kissed her. "I'm glad. I want you to be comfortable around me."
After he parked the car in front of her house, he opened the door and helped her out. He slid his arm around her waist. "Think Cassie is watching or is she asleep?"
"I'm sure she's asleep. She needs sleep and can't force herself to stay awake even when she wants to."
"Good." Joe took the key from Sara and unlocked the door. "Then I can kiss you good night without being interrupted. Before I do, turn around."
"Why?" she asked as she turned around.
"Because you won't be able to unhook the hook-n-eye I fastened before we left this evening. How would you get out of your dress?" As Joe finished, his hand lingered against her soft back.
He turned her around, put his arms around her, and kissed her. One kiss turned into two kisses, which turned into three. Joe felt his breathing become rapid and his heart beating harder. He rubbed against Sara, noticed her breathing had also increased, and her body moving against his.
Wanting to fulfill his desires, he glanced toward the hallway and saw Cassie's bedroom door. A sigh escaped his lips. "I'd better leave." Their eyes met. "Good, no tears." After he kissed her again, he lifted her hand, stared at her little finger, and smiled. "Good night. I'll come by in a few hours and get that picture you promised."
As he opened the car door, he looked back at Sara still standing at the door with her hand across her stomach. He understood how deeply he loved her and wondered how long it would take her to trust him enough to love him.
| Author Notes |
I want to thank one of my favorite artists, Angelheart for allowing me to use Written in the Stars. Joe and Sara are revealing themselves under the stars.
Thank you to all my fans and supporters for your continued well wishes and prayers. When I went for my follow appointment Thursday, cancer cells were found in the extra tissue taken from around my cancerous lump. I will need additional surgey to remove additional tissue. Cancer was also discovered in one of my lymph nodes. I go back to the doctor on Tues and discover exactly where I go from here. I will keep you posted. This is part three of chapter 4 and is part of a novel. If you have not read the previous chapters, you will not understand the characters and why they act as they do. We are getting to know them better as they get to know each other. Thank you for supporting me. I appreciate each one of you. I hope to post again on Thursday, but cannot promise. School starts for the teachers on Friday and I so want to start school. I know that's asking a lot of my body, but my doctor will have the final say. |
By barbara.wilkey
CHAPTER FIVE
Saturday Morning
8:30 A.M.
The following morning, Cassie walked into the kitchen and watched her mother busy baking cookies for the bake sale. Cassie grabbed a cookie from the cooling rack. "Did Mr. Joe kiss you goodnight?"
"That's none of your business, young lady." Sara's cheeks flushed.
Cassie laughed. "He did, didn't he?"
Sara measured dough and placed it carefully on the cookie sheet. "I said it's none of your business." She turned toward the oven. "Hand me that blue hot pad on the table." Taking the hot pad from her daughter, she continued, "Your breakfast is on the counter."
"Mom, are you in love with Mr. Joe?"
Her hands were on her hips. "Cassie, Mr. Barnes lives over five hundred miles away, so I don't think that question's even relevant. Besides if you don't hurry, you'll be late for your game."
Grinning, she watched her mom insert a toothpick into a chocolate chip cookie. "I'd like it if he spent more time around here."
Sara ignored her daughter, remembering the safety she felt in Joe's arms and the undeniable passion his kisses spiked within her. She grabbed her stomach, trying to stop the desires from returning.
Cassie kissed her mom's cheek. "I need to leave. Wish me luck."
"Good luck and I'll be there as soon as the last batch of cookies is done." She scanned the counter. "Do you think I need to make something else?"
"No Mom, cookies, brownies and cupcakes are enough. You don't need to bring everything." She picked up a cookie and took a bite. "Other moms need to bring something too. 'Bye."
Sara smiled as she heard the door close. "She's right. This is enough." She peeked inside the oven to check the cookies.
As Cassie stepped off the porch with her blue ball cap on crooked and her glove and bat in her left hand, Joe shut the car door and said, "Hi. Ready for your debut?"
"Yep. You coming to the game?"
"Of course, there's no way I'd miss it. I hear there's this great new pitcher about to start her first game."
When Joe walked closer, she put her right arm around him and gave him a brief hug. "Thanks. See you there. Mom's in the kitchen. Gotta go." She switched the glove and bat to the right hand, put her baseball cap on straight and jogged down the sidewalk.
Joe walked up the porch steps and watched Cassie, before he smiled and said under his breath, "She's a great kid, but I don't think I'll ever understand her." He rubbed the back of his neck as he opened the door.
Hearing the door open, Sara called out, "Honey, did you forget something?" Her eyebrows rose when she turned and Joe walked into the kitchen.
"No, I didn't forget anything." He grinned. "Cassie said you were in the kitchen." He picked up a chocolate chip cookie and took a bite. "Hum, good. Did I tell you they're my favorite?"
She put her hand to her hair, straightening the strands that had fallen from the rubber band, then looked down at her blue plaid pajama bottoms and sighed. As she studied her blue T-shirt covered with flour, she said, "I wasn't expecting company."
Joe took the rubber band loose from her ponytail and ran his fingers through her hair. "I prefer your hair down, so I can see the blonde streaks." He brushed hair from her cheek. "I happen to think it's beautiful." He then put his arms around her. "I'm sorry you're uncomfortable." He kissed her cheek. "Last night you were gorgeous, but to be perfectly honest I've never seen you more beautiful than you are right now."
"Are you lying to make me feel better?"
"I'm not lying. I think you're very beautiful. But to make you feel better, I'll finish in here. Go change or do whatever females do." He chuckled as he added, "As long as it doesn't include nail polish."
She took a few steps toward her bedroom, then turned around and ran to Joe. She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him.
Realizing what she was doing, she flushed as she released him and ran toward the bedroom.
Joe grinned, watching her leave. I love you too, Sara.
*****
When Sara returned wearing blue jeans and a lavender blouse, she stared at the goods packed for the bake sale. "Ready? I'll help you carry everything to the car." Joe grinned.
"You didn't need to do all this." She released a deep breath. "About earlier, I'm sorry."
"I'm not." He walked to her and put his arms around her. "I told you last night I'm falling in love with you. Why would I be upset when you kissed me?"
"You're enjoying this way too much," she said as she glanced at the round wall clock. "We need to leave. Cassie's game starts in five minutes."
After giving her a quick kiss, Joe picked up a box of baked goods and walked toward the door. "I only ate three cookies. I'll donate some money to the recreation center."
With her arms full, she smiled. "I'm sure that won't be necessary. Cassie already told me I made too much."
*****
After talking with Ginger Moore behind home plate, Joe found Sara sitting at the top of the bleachers along the first base side. When he sat beside her, he took her hand. "After you finished helping set up the bake sale, why didn't you join me behind home plate?"
She stared at the field. "I didn't want to interrupt you and Ginger. It looked like you were having a serious discussion."
Joe grinned as he lifted her hand and kissed her little finger. "Have I ever told you how cute you are when you're frustrated and jealous?" He touched the tip of her nose. "She walked up to me. I guess she has a daughter on the team. She invited me to have drinks with her at the country club after the game."
Sara held her breath. "What did you tell her?"
"Don't look so worried. I reminded her I have plans with you and she's married." He noticed Cassie swinging a bat in the batting circle. "I'll be right back."
He walked up to the fence. "Cassie, during warm-ups you dropped your right shoulder." He pretended to swing the bat illustrating what he meant. She acknowledged with a nod and a smile, as he climbed the bleachers.
He returned to her side. "I let Ms. Moore know how beautiful you are on the inside as well as the outside. I then asked if she could look me in the eye and tell me she never had sex until her wedding night."
"No you didn't, did you?" Sara covered her mouth with her hand. "What did she say?"
"She walked away, so I'm sure she'll think twice before judging you again."
After Cassie took a ball, she turned and glanced at Joe. She nodded, when Joe pointed to his shoulder. Cassie then swung and missed the next pitch. She looked at Joe again. He stood and pretended to swing a bat, then sat down. Cassie, again nodded.
With the crack of the bat, Sara jumped to her feet. "Run Cassie," she cheered as Cassie rounded first base. Jumping up and down, she watched Cassie round second base.
As Cassie headed for third base, Joe stood and cheered, "Slide, Cassie, slide!"
Sara hugged him. "She's safe!" She smiled up at him, still hugging him.
"Yes, I saw it. She hit a triple."
"Oops. I'm sorry. I guess I got excited." She glanced around at the other parents watching and smiling. "I'm sorry."
Joe chuckled. "Don't be sorry. Your reaction was a normal mom reaction." He took her hand in his. "And don't worry about Ginger staring at us. I believe she's jealous of you."
"I'll try to keep my enthusiasm under control." When the following batter hit Cassie home, Sara stood, started to cheer, then stopped and sat.
Laughing, Joe squeezed her shoulders. "I enjoyed your enthusiasm. Go ahead and cheer."
After Cassie crossed home plate, she glanced at Joe, gave a thumbs up and a huge smile. "Thanks." She pointed toward her right shoulder.
He acknowledged with a grin and a nod.
| Author Notes | Thank you Lord Taylor for the great artwork The Ball Game. This is part one of chapter 5 and part of an entire novel. If you have not read the previous chapters, you will not understand the characters and why they act as they do. I am setting the scene with this chapter. After the ball game, things will start happening that will change Sara and Cassie's lives. Thank you for supporting me while I fight this cancer. I appreciate each of you. The school year has began for the teachers and my engery level remains low. I will post a short story contest entry next weekend. It will be the following weekend before I am able to finish the soft ball game. As of now, my surgery is scheduled for Sept 16. Chemo starts three week after the surgery My doctor's surgery schedule is full. She is trying to get me in earlier. I will keep you posted. I want to thank you for your prayers, thoughts and well wishes. I can honestly say I am drawing my strength from my friends. Words cannot explain what you mean to me. |
By barbara.wilkey
At the beginning of the fifth inning, Joe watched Sara walk over to work the bake sale, and then returned his attention to the softball game. Cassie's a good little pitcher. I can't believe this late in the game she's still striking them out. When the game ended, Joe stared at the scoreboard. We won 3 to 1. He glanced toward the bake sale. I guess Sara will help clean up. I'll wait for Cassie.
He stood beside the stands and listened to the coach talk with the girls. Joe watched the girls pick up the bats, balls and trash around the dugout. Joe smiled while Cassie and Angela visited. Finally, Angela's mom told her it was time to leave. As Cassie walked toward Joe, a tall slender teenage boy walked up to her. Unable to hear what he said, Joe knew by the frown on Cassie's face she felt uncomfortable. Joe remembered seeing that teenage male hanging around the dugout during the game.
The boy tried putting his arm around Cassie. "Come on baby, it wouldn't hurt to be nice to me. You'll like it, I promise benefits."
Cassie removed his arm and backed away. "Mr. Joe!" Joe jogged toward her. She took his hand in hers and released a deep breath.
Joe led her toward the bake sale, then stopped. "Wait here. I'll be right back." He walked to the teenage male. "I'm sure this was a misunderstanding, but in case it wasn't, I'm informing you that your treatment of Miss Riley was sexual harassment. If I ever hear about you bothering her again, I promise you'll be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Do I make myself clear, or do I need to go into details?"
"I don't know what you're talking about." He rolled his eyes.
A friend grabbed his arm. "Marc, this guy's Joe Barnes. You know; the secret agent the whole town's talking about. I don't think you better antagonize him."
Marc glanced at Joe. "I understand. Cassie's off limits."
"I thought we'd come to an understanding we could both agree with." Joe turned and left.
Joe caught up with Cassie and she said, "Thank you. He's been bothering me for a few weeks. Think he'll stop?"
"I'm sure he will." He stopped and removed his business card. Again, I'm coming to the aid of another pretty female. He stared at his right hand and wiggled his little finger. How do they do it?
After writing some additional numbers on the card, he handed it to her. "Keep this with you. Here's my home phone." He pointed to the top number, "my cell," he pointed to the second number, "and work number. If I don't answer the home or my cell, call my work number. Tell the person who answers your name and that you need me. They'll patch you through."
He took his cell from his pocket and dialed. "Hey, Nick, if Cassie Riley calls for me, immediately patch her through."
Cassie's eyes widened. "You just made me an important person; a VIP."
"Why wouldn't I?" He squeezed her shoulders.
"Mom said you live over five hundred miles away and you're leaving tomorrow. How will you help if Marc or one of his buddies bothers me?"
"Your mom's right, but I plan on regularly visiting you and your mom." He put his phone away. "If you need me, I'll drop whatever I'm doing and be here for you. I have access to eight helicopters and a private jet."
"I know Mom's important to you, but me? What happens if you and Mom break up?"
He stopped and stared into Cassie's eyes. "I doubt your mom and I will break up. I'm planning on becoming a permanent fixture in your life," he teased. "If for some reason we do, I promise I'll always care about your well being. Understand?" He used his finger to brush the top of her nose. "You're important to me, too."
She hugged his arm. "Thank you."
Tears entered her eyes and Joe dried them. "No, not tears. Not you too. I'm sunk."
Sara walked over and stood beside them. "What's going on? Why are you sunk?"
"Never mind. I don't have a chance around you two."
Cassie took her mom's hand. "Did you know I'm important to Mr. Joe, too?"
She kissed the side of her daughter's forehead. "I had a feeling you were." Glancing at Joe, she smiled. "I have a few chocolate chip cookies left. As soon as I get them, I'm ready to leave."
"How many? Maybe I'll eat them, so we won't have to transport them anywhere." He winked at her.
One the drive home, Joe ate the cookies.
*****
Joe walked up behind Sara, as she bent over and searched inside the refrigerator. "Why don't I run to the store and get something for lunch?"
She stood and turned toward him. "You don't need to do that. I can throw something together."
Smiling, he put his arms around her and drew her closer, preparing to kiss her.
"I knew you kissed Mom goodnight after the dance." Cassie stood in the doorway and smiled.
Joe jerked around, as Sara said, "I thought you were showering."
"I was, but I'm wondering what's for lunch and how long Mr. Joe's staying." She smiled at Joe. "Did you really kiss my mom goodnight?"
"I'm going to the store to get something for lunch." As he opened the front door, he glanced at Cassie. "When you asked your mom, what did she say?"
"She told me it was none of my business."
Joe smiled. "I agree with your mom, it's none of your business." He opened the front door.
Cassie called after him, "Can you at least tell me how long you're staying?"
He stood on the porch and answered through the door, "That I'll answer. I'll say goodbye to you and your mom tonight. I'm spending tomorrow morning and early afternoon with my parents, then late afternoon I'll drive home. Is that okay?"
"I guess. I don't want you to leave, but I don't have a choice." She turned toward the bathroom and walked down the hall. "I'm old enough to be kissed, so I don't understand all the secrecy about kissing Mom goodnight." She slammed the bathroom door.
Joe noticed Sara standing by the front door, he opened it, and kissed her. "Your daughter has a point."
"I know, but somehow it doesn't seem right discussing me being kissed with my teenage daughter."
"You're right about that." He walked toward the car. "I'll be back with lunch."
*****
During lunch, Cassie received a telephone call from Angela. "Mom, can I be excused from the table? I need to check something on the computer." Cassie eyed the computer.
"Sure, I need to wash dishes anyway." She started clearing the plates and silverware.
Joe grabbed the leftovers. "I'll help."
As Sara turned on the water, Cassie stood beside her. "Angela wants to know if I can come to her house around four, then meet some kids at The Burger Palace around four-thirty."
"I guess, but I want you home in time for dinner at six." She turned off the water. "Are you meeting with the ball team to discuss today's victory?"
Nodding, Cassie went back to the computer.
Just before four o'clock, Cassie kissed her mom's cheek. "I'll be home around six."
"Have fun. Tell Angela I said she caught a good game."
"Bye Mr. Joe. See you later." She shut the front door.
"Have fun." Joe turned toward Sara, put his arms around her, and pulled her closer. "It's just us old people, now."
"You're right. I'm used to having Cassie around. Think we can come up with something to do until she returns in two hours?"
| Author Notes |
The artwork made me think of Cassie on the computer.
I want to thank again all my fans who support me. I appreciate all of you. I am still awaiting my next surgery. |
By barbara.wilkey
CHAPTER SIX
Saturday Afternoon
4:00 P.M.
Joe sat on the couch and fingered the remote control. "Would you prefer a movie, or is a ballgame all right?"
"A ballgame's fine. I'm used to watching sports. It's the only channel Dad's TV goes to," she joked as she sat beside him. "I change to another channel, but it magically returns to the ball game."
Joe put his right arm around her shoulders and clicked the remote control.
Sara leaned her head against his chest and watched each channel change. "Joe?" She took the remote control and turned off the TV. When he turned toward her, she continued, "I'm worried our relationship will change as fast as the channels did."
"I won't let it."
"But ...."
He kissed her, and another kiss quickly followed. When the kiss ended, Joe gulped. "Sara?"
She answered by covering his lips with hers.
He nuzzled her ear, before he whispered, "If we continue, we'll end up making love."
Sara ran the tip of her tongue across his lips, enjoying the taste.
Joe's hand slipped under her blouse and he massaged her soft back.
When she felt the bra closures loosen, unfamiliar desires swelled within her stomach, and she unbuttoned his shirt. She planted butterfly kisses to his neck and chest, then scooted onto his lap.
Joe stopped. "Sara, as much as I want this to continue ...." He moved his hand to adjust the engorged manhood inside his jeans. "I need to make sure this is what you want."
"Are you worried I still have a schoolgirl crush on you?"
"That and I'm worried you think I'll forget you unless we make love." He kissed her before he continued, "I love you. You don't need to do this to keep me around."
She stood. "I want to make love to you. You've promised our relationship won't dissolve. I believe you." As Joe stood, she took his hand in hers. "I'm a grown woman and I want to ...." She stood on her tiptoes and kissed him.
"If you're positive." He returned the kiss.
"There's no doubt."
Unbuttoning her blouse, Joe's lips engaged hers . "I think we better move to another room. I don't want Cassie walking in on us. I think she'd have a few more questions than my kissing you good night." He led her toward the bedroom.
At the door, he stopped. "What are you doing?" asked Sara.
"I promised I'd take precautions. My first precaution is your teenage daughter doesn't interrupt us." He locked the front and then the backdoor.
Sara watched him from the bedroom entrance. "Thank you. You've thought of everything, haven't you?"
As he stood beside her, he put his arms around her and drew her closer. "I hope so. Now where were we?" He kissed her neck as he moved his hands inside her unbuttoned blouse, massaging her breasts.
She kissed his chest as she pushed the shirt from his shoulders. Slowly walking them toward the bed, he removed her blouse.
"Joe, wait!" She put her hand on her stomach. "I've had a baby. My stomach has stretch marks. I bet you've never made love to someone who's had a baby before."
He shook his head. "You're right. You're the first woman I've made love with who has a child, but I already knew about your child. I've met her. I'm forty-one years old, not exactly a teenager. Should I be worried about my body?" Not waiting for an answer, he cupped her breasts.
She moved her hand from her stomach and caressed his chest and arms as she kissed his neck. Her hand moved along each definition of his muscles. "I don't think you have anything to worry about."
Lowering her onto the bed, he lay beside her and kissed her ears and neck, before continuing with her breasts.
Following his lead, she kissed and teased his nipples as she caressed his back and slid her hands inside his jeans massaging his rear end. Quickly he unfastened her jeans.
As he did, she whispered, "Joe, I can't afford fancy lace panties."
"What?"
"I can't afford pretty lace panties."
He rolled onto his back and ran his hand through his short hair. "That's what I thought you said." He hesitated a few seconds, then raised himself to his side resting his head on his hand. "Am I doing something wrong?"
"Why'd you ask that?"
"You're doing a lot of talking." He circled her breasts with his finger. "Why would I be interested in your panties?"
"I've read in magazines and have seen TV commercials that men enjoy women wearing lacy lingerie. I don't want you to be disappointed."
He ran his finger slowly from the center of her breasts down to her navel. "My love for you is all the stimulation I need. Maybe you're asking questions because you're having doubts. If you're not positive about this, we need to stop."
Sara stood beside the bed, stared into his eyes, and shimmied her jeans and panties to her ankles, then stepped from them. "I have no doubts." She cuddled beside him. "I'm just afraid you'll be disappointed. I want our first time to be perfect." Her kiss lingered.
A moan escaped his lips and he caressed her soft bare rear end. Tightly he held her, pressed her body against his, and rubbed himself against her, returning the kiss.
As her hand unfastened his belt, he closed his eyes and released a deep breath. "If at anytime you change your mind, say something and I'll stop."
She unbuttoned and unzipped his pants, then reached inside his jeans. "I won't change my mind." A long slow sound escaped Joe's lips, as Sara massaged his manhood. "You like that?"
He slipped his hand between her legs. "Not nearly as much as you'll enjoy this."
She moaned, spreading her legs as enjoyment filled her body. Sensations overcame her, and she tried to catch her breath. "You're way over dressed." Using her hands, she pushed his jeans and boxer briefs down.
"Please, I'm coming! No, this...!" She screamed as she clamped her legs together.
He kissed her. "What's wrong? Why stop?"
She swallowed to catch her breath. "That would've been embarrassing."
As he kissed her, he caressed her breasts. "You're ready."
Glancing at his throbbing manhood, she asked, "And you're not?" She climbed on top of him so her weight forced him to lie back. As she lowered herself, she took a deep breath and closed her eyes feeling its full size. "Hum." She moved up and down.
With a loud moan, Joe rolled her over and moved inside her. Moments later, they released moans of ecstasy.
After repeated kisses to her lips Joe composed himself and rolled off her. "Come here." He pulled her beside him, before he kissed her.
Sara cuddled in and was silent enjoying their closeness.
"Sara, is something wrong?" When she ignored him, he moved back and lifted her chin so he could see her eyes. "Are there regrets?"
"No. I've dreamt about us making love and it was more fantastic than I imagined."
"But what? I know a 'but' is coming, so complete what you were about to say."
"Now that we made love it'll be harder saying goodbye. You said you'd make sure our relationship didn't end, but this could be the last time we make love." She sat up. "I don't want you to leave."
Moisture filled her eyes. "I know we've only known each other a few days, but it feels like I've known you for years. I've already come to rely on you." Joe sat up beside her, as she continued, "I don't like admitting this, but I need you."
After brushing damp hair from her cheek, he kissed it and stared into her eyes. "I've dreamt about making love with you the past two nights also and you're right; the real thing was fantastic."
He pulled the blanket around her shoulders. "You look cold." After he switched positions, he hesitated. "I want to start by saying I love you." He brushed his finger against her cheek. "I was almost nine years old when I first met you. I remember Josh led me into your room, and we watched you sleep in a white bassinet with pink lace sheets. I couldn't believe how tiny you were. Josh was proud of his new baby sister."
He held her hand and kissed her fingers. "Little did I know someday I'd fall in love with you. I guess we have known each other for your lifetime."
"But it's not the same. I was a child when you graduated from high school and left for the academy."
"You've shared your deepest secret with me."
"That's because you're so comfortable."
"I guess that's a compliment, but I feel like an oversized teddy bear."
"It is a compliment." She touched his arm. "I feel safe and secure when you're around. It's like nothing can hurt me." She chewed her lower lip. "I guess I'm not explaining it very well."
"You're explaining it perfect. I'm glad I make you feel secure. I want you to know I'll always protect you." He brushed hair from her cheek. "You have an innocent way of making me vulnerable." He grinned, then added, "Men aren't supposed to be vulnerable."
"I didn't know I was doing anything."
After he kissed her, he grinned. "I know. That's a large part of your charm. I'm vulnerable because I've fallen so deeply in love I'd do anything for you. That's how I know I won't let the distance come between us. I love you way too much to be away from you for longer than a few days." He leaned against her and kissed her, forcing her to lie back in bed.
Sara put her hands against his chest and pushed herself away from him. "Joe, what about Cassie? I can't think about myself. I have a fourteen year old daughter."
"I know. How could I not know about Cassie? She enters the room like a hurricane," he teased.
Sara bit her lower lip. "I was afraid she was too much for you and I'm right." She sighed, not sure what to say next.
"Come here." He drew her closer and kissed her. "Sometimes you're ridiculous." He kissed his fingers and placed them one at a time against her lips. Soon his kisses slid from her lips to her lower stomach.
Closing her eyes from the fire he ignited within her, she gulped. "Joe ...."
His kiss interrupted her, as he massaged her breasts.
Putting her hand on his, she said, "Joe, I need you to answer my question about Cassie."
He stared into her eyes and grinned. "You never asked a question about Cassie. You told me you have a daughter and I said I already knew you had a daughter." He sighed as he sat up. "I guess I'm not going to get any peace unless I tell you how I feel about your daughter."
He ran his fingers through his hair. "Let's see, she's a good pitcher. When she doesn't drop her right shoulder, she has a great bat. She has a great sense of humor and her tears get to me the same way yours do. When I look into her face, I see a younger version of you. I am concerned about her use of instant messaging."
His finger caressed her cheek. I guess you haven't noticed but I happen to be very fond of Cassie." He touched the tip of her nose. "If Cassie bothered me, I never would've invited you to your reunion activities. I met her before I did you."
When Sara leaned over and kissed him, her weight forced him to lie back on the bed. They soon made love with more intensity and passion than the first time.
| Author Notes | I went to my favorite artist, Angelheart to find the perfect way to describe Joe and Sara's love and was not disappointed. Thank you Angelheart, for You + Me 2gether. I am sorry about the length of this post, but I couldn't find a good place to divide it. I could not imagine Joe and Sara's love making fitting into purple prose. I hope I have not disappointed my fans. They have not filled the entire two hours, yet. I hope to post the remainder of their 'alone time' before my surgery. |
By barbara.wilkey
BACKGROUND:
Cassie spends a two hours with friends. Joe and Sara spend their 'alone time' making love.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Joe tilted his head and smiled at Sara as her head lay on his chest. "Sara Riley, I love you."
She glanced up at him. "I know." Stretching up, she kissed him. "I never thought anybody could love me, let alone someone as wonderful as you."
He ran his fingers through her damp hair, then held her hand. "You're selling yourself short. I thought we agreemed you wouldn't cut yourself down."
She took his other hand and studied it. "We did. I'm still getting used to the idea you love me." Sara watched Joe stand. "I don't think you should walk around the house naked."
He scanned her naked body as she stood.
She pressed against him. "Thank you, but ...."
Wiping a bead of sweat from her forehead, he teased, "We've had a pretty good workout. Maybe a shower might be in order."
In the bathroom, Joe adjusted the showerhead. As the water flowed over their bodies, they embraced.
"Maybe we should actually shower." He grinned as he added, "Although kissing you is a great alternative." After the kiss, Joe lathered Sara's body.
This seems so natural for him. Sara's eyes widened. "You've showered with other women, haven't you?"
He put his arms around her and drew her closer. "I've already admitted I've been with other women, and you said it wouldn't be a problem. Can we leave it at that?"
"Yes, but everything's been so special. I wish it could be special for you too."
Joe brushed her wet hair behind her ears and his eyes met hers. "I've never felt this way before. I've never loved anyone the way I do you. Because of that love, everything we do is special."
She studied the seriousness and the tightness of his jaw. "You mean it, don't you."
"Yes." He squeezed her tighter. "I'm afraid you haven't had enough experience to understand love. My prayer is you love me with the same intensity as I do you. If I lost you, I'd be devastated."
"I'm afraid you'll realize I'm not as sophisticated as the women you're used to and you'll get bored."
"You're one classy lady, Sara Riley." After he kissed her, he teased, "Between you and Cassie, I need to stay on my toes. I never know what's happening next. How could I get bored?"
As they washed each other, their lovemaking continued.
*****
With her legs wrapped around Joe's waist, Sara heard the living room clock strike six times. "Joe! Cassie! It's six. She'll be home any second."
Joe set her down. They grabbed towels, ran toward the bedroom, and gathered their clothes.
Sara fastened her jeans. "Dinner? I told Cassie dinner would be ready at six."
Joe removed his cell phone from his jeans pocket. "I'm ordering pizza. What kind should I get?" He glanced up as Sara walked from the room. "Like I said, I never know what's going to happen next. What kind of pizza do females like?"
When Joe walked into the living room, Sara stared at him. "Think Cassie will notice my hair. It's wet."
He kissed her. "You can tell her we had a water fight washing dishes."
"Or we could just tell her the truth." She stared toward the door, anticipating Cassie's entrance. "Think she'd believe we made love all afternoon?"
Joe embraced her. "I don't think she'd believe it, but you could try." He kissed her, then added, "I think she'll believe the story about the water fight before she believes that."
"You're probably right. We'll stick to the water fight story." She laughed. "Back me up on that one, okay?"
Caressing her rear end, he grinned. "I have your back side covered."
She moaned. "And very nicely I might add." After hearing a noise, she glanced toward the door, then at the clock on the wall. "Joe, Cassie's never been this late." She chewed on her lower lip. Feeling pain, she grabbed her lower stomach. Something's wrong. With desperation in her voice, she said, "Something's wrong, I can feel it."
| Author Notes | Thank you to all my fans for sticking with me. I would like to post next weekend, but I cannot promise. My last surgery kicked my butt for about two days, I hope this one doesn't do the same. I know I have left this in a bad place and you want to know what happened. I promise to post as soon as possible. |
By barbara.wilkey
CHAPTER SEVEN
Saturday Evening
6:25 P.M.
Joe watched Sara pause as she dialed the number for The Burger Palace. She inhaled deeply. "Hi Sam. This is Sara Riley; could you ask Cassie to come to the phone, please?"
He stepped closer when her eyes closed and she clutched the phone to her chest. Opening them, she glanced at Joe as she hung up. "I'm sure she never left Angela's house. Young teenage girls change their mind all the time," she said as she dialed. "Cassie and Angela are listening to music and just lost track of time. I'm sure of it."
As she replaced the receiver, tears rolled down her cheeks.
Joe took her in his arms. "Cassie never made it to The Burger Palace, did she? Was she at Angela's house?"
"Angela said Cassie left her house around five o'clock and was going straight to The Burger Palace, but Sam said she never made it." She squeezed him tighter. "I wish I could have spoken with Angela's mom, but she's shopping."
He glanced at his watch and grimaced before kissing her forehead. "Cassie's thirty-five minutes late. I'm going to The Burger Palace and then backtrack to Angela's house. You stay here in case Cassie calls or comes home."
He wrote down some numbers, then handed her his card. "I should've done this before." He pointed to the first number. "This is my cell." He pointed again. "My home. The other number's my work number. I'm sure you can get my parents' number."
Looking toward the front door, he rubbed the back of his neck. I hate leaving Sara, right now. She needs me. "The sooner I leave the sooner we'll find Cassie. What's your parents' number?" After she gave it to him, he kissed her. "I love you. We'll find Cassie." As he left, he called over his shoulder, "I'm calling your mom. You need someone with you."
After Joe contacted Sara's parents, he called Matt. "Have the drug cartels been active?"
"No, why?"
"Sara's daughter, Cassie, is missing. I'm afraid one of the cartels abducted her."
"Everything's quiet. Your relationship with Sara's too new for the cartel to know about it. You've only been together three days. How's Sara holding up?"
"She's falling apart. I'm going to need a few extra days. I can't leave ...,"
"Take all the time you need," interrupted Matt. "You didn't need to ask. How long has she been missing?"
"A little over an hour and a half." He studied his watch, then added, "Almost two hours."
"I'll be there in a few hours."
Joe heard the concern in Matt's voice and hesitated. "I hate to ask, but could you bring Dani?" He sighed, then added, "Cassie spent a lot of time instant messaging her friends. My gut says it's somehow related to her disappearance."
"Damn! Dani and I are on our way."
*****
Joe stood outside The Burger Palace, watching the flow of traffic and the people standing around. Someone must have seen Cassie. This town isn't that big. After he entered, he sat in a black artificial leather booth, watched the teenagers laugh, talk, and use wireless laptop computers.
Soon an overweight middle-aged waitress came to him. "Joe Barnes, you're a little old for this place, aren't you? What can I get you?"
Smiling, Joe answered, "Yes, I'm old, but I heard you make the best chocolate milkshakes in town. I'll take a large." As she turned to walk away, he asked, "Were any men here today that looked a little out of place?"
She thought for a moment. "Now I think about it, there was a man here earlier, maybe around four-thirty. He had one of those fancy laptop computers, used it for a few minutes, ordered a large soda, and then left. I saw him get into a white SUV parked directly across the street from this window." She pointed.
"What did he look like?"
"He was in his late twenties, maybe early thirties." She raised her hand above her head. "Let's see - maybe around five feet eleven inches tall. I'd guess two hundred pounds. He had brown eyes." She looked at Joe's eyes. "His eyes were a lot darker than your brown eyes. He had dark brown hair, almost black."
"When he ordered, did he have an accent?"
"Yeah, but his accent was different from the usual Hispanic accent I hear. I don't know what it was. I never heard anything like it." She glanced toward the counter. "I'll be right back with your chocolate shake."
Joe tapped his fingers on the table. That man has something to do with Cassie's disappearance. I can feel it. When the waitress brought his order, he took some cash from his pocket, handed it to her, and walked toward the door.
The waitress counted the money. "Joe, want your change?"
"Keep it," he called over his shoulder. Standing on the sidewalk, he studied where the waitress pointed the white SUV had parked and took a sip of the milkshake. This is really good, but I don't have time right now to enjoy it. He threw the drink in a trashcan and shielded his eyes. I wonder which direction Cassie came from. It would help if I knew where Angela lived. He removed the cell phone from his pocket. "Damn! I don't know Sara's phone number." After staring at his phone, he shook his head. "I'm in love with this woman and don't even know her number."
After speaking with the operator, Joe called Sara and asked where Angela lived. He walked the same sidewalk Cassie probably walked. I wish I could find a clue, just about anything would help.
When Angela answered the door, she asked, "You're Secret Agent Joe Barnes, aren't you?"
"Yes, I am. I need answers about where Cassie might be."
Angela glanced past him to the street. "Where's your yellow Porsche? Cassie said you drive a really great car, with real leather seats."
"I walked. I'm tracing Cassie's steps." He ran his fingers through his hair, trying to be patient. "Can we get back to Cassie?"
"Yes. She left here about four forty-five, maybe closer to five."
"Cassie told her mom you were going with her to The Burger Palace. Why didn't you go?"
She avoided eye contact.
"What are you not telling me? Cassie could be in danger. I need you to be honest."
"Cassie met this guy on-line and he wanted to meet her. They were going to meet for the first time at The Burger Palace this afternoon. Cassie and I talked about it and thought The Burger Palace was safe because it was public and always busy."
"Cassie never made it there." He shoved his hands in his pockets. "What can you tell me about him?"
"He's fifteen, plays sports, and writes Cassie really sweet poems."
"In case this ever happens again, no fifteen year old male writes really sweet poems. It's not in their genes. If I have more questions, I'll be in touch." He walked down the first step, then turned. "A teenager named Marcus stopped Cassie after the softball game this morning. What's his last name and where does he live?"
"He's a jerk. Marcus Haines lives on the rich side of town. Across interstate 175 is a new development. He lives in the second house on the right. It's almost a mansion." She hesitated before she asked, "Cassie's all right, isn't she?"
"I don't know. All we can do right now is pray. If you think of anything else, call me." He wrote some numbers on his business card and handed it to her.
*****
Joe jogged to Sara's and stared at her front door as he put the key in the ignition of his car. Sara, I'm sorry, but this doesn't look good. He drove toward Marcus's house and parked in the driveway. As he shut the car door, he heard techno music coming from behind the house. When no one answered the knocks on the front door, he walked around to the back patio.
He stood, watched two partially dressed teenagers dance, then walked over and turned off the music.
As the teenagers stared at him, he said, "Marcus, I need to speak with you."
They scrambled to dress. Joe's jaw tightened as he handed the girl his cell phone. "Call your dad, now."
As they waited for her father, Joe studied Marcus. "Where are your parents? Do they know you're having an unsupervised private party?"
Marcus' eyes met Joe's. "Of course; who do you think bought the beer? As long as I'm not driving, they don't care."
"Have you seen Cassie Riley since we talked at the softball field?"
"No. I picked up my girl, came straight here, and haven't left."
"Did you pick her up at The Burger Palace?"
"We don't go to that dump. We go across town to The Coffee Shoppe." He stuffed his hands inside his pockets. "You made it clear Cassie was off limits. Why?"
"She's missing and you're my first suspect."
"I've been here since around four o'clock, maybe earlier." He scratched his chin. "You can't take me down for that. I haven't seen her."
"Do you know anybody who might know where she is?"
He paused. "No. She's younger than us. She hangs out with a different crowd."
"It didn't stop you from harassing her. Maybe one of your friends did more than harass her."
"I was just having a little fun."
Joe questioned Marcus until the girl's father arrived. After the girl was safely inside the car, Joe stared at Marcus. "I've protected two teenage girls from you in less than eight hours. You had better not cross my path again. I won't be so nice the next time." Joe turned to leave. I doubt he knows anything about Cassie's disappearance, but I still don't like him.
Back inside his car, Joe called the police. After describing what he knew about the white SUV, he asked their help in locating it. I can't do anymore tonight. I had better get back to Sara.
| Author Notes | Thank you mirrorman for the perfect artwork, Pedator, for this post. I want to thank all my fans for the prayers and well wishes that came my way from six continents. I will make sure I never leave out my Australian friends again. I am so sorry and am sure your prayers tipped things in my favor. I am getting stronger daily, but I keep being told that having been ran over by a HUGE 18 wheeler takes time to heal. I did get some good news Tuesday. The biopsy of my uterus showed no cancer. I go in tomorrow to discover if the tissue removed shows any additional cancer in my breast. I am sure with all of you by my side, no further sugery will be needed. |
By barbara.wilkey
Sara and her parents sat around the dining room table and jumped at every sound, praying Cassie would walk through the front door with some ridiculous story. Sara knew she'd pretend to be angry, but would be relieved to see her daughter.
When Mark, Sara's father, answered a knock, Roy Moore and his brother, Chip, entered. Chip, the county sheriff, glared at Sara. "That new boyfriend of yours called and said Cassie's missing."
Mark shook his head. "Sara doesn't have a new boyfriend. He's Joe Barnes. He was born here and graduated from the same high school you did."
"Daddy, it's not important," interrupted Sara. "Cassie was at Angela's this afternoon. She was supposed to go from there to The Burger Palace, but never made it. Nobody's seen her since she left Angela's. Did Joe find more information?"
Roy, the city police chief, stepped closer to Sara. "Barnes said something about a white SUV, but we all know Cassie's just shacked up with some boy, like you used to do when you were young." He chuckled. "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree, does it?"
Sara reared back and slugged him in the jaw. "How dare you."
Roy rubbed his cheek. "Chip, arrest her for assaulting an officer of the law."
As Chip grabbed Sara's arms and pulled them behind her, Joe stepped in the doorway. "Get your hands off the lady." He grabbed the front of Roy's shirt and threw him against the wall. Joe's right forearm pressed against Roy's throat. "Don't ever insult Sara again."
After slugging Roy in the stomach, Joe glared into his eyes. "After you intentionally spiked Sara's punch, you raped her. You've participated in and allowed the townspeople to chastise Sara for over fourteen years. You're lucky the statute of limitations for rape lasts only seven years." Joe slugged him in the rib cage.
Roy screamed in pain, "Chip, do something."
"The way I figure it, you owe Cassie somewhere around fifty-thousand dollars in back child support. Who knows what it'll come to with fourteen years of interest added on, but it should be enough to pay for Cassie's college."
Chip stood behind Joe. "Roy, is it true? Are you Cassie's father? Was Sara a victim of date rape? If this is true you deserve a beating."
As Sara hid her face against her dad's chest, both her parents put their arms around her. Her father stared down at her. "Sara, is Joe telling the truth? Is that how it happened?"
Through her tears, she whispered, "Yes."
Overhearing Sara confirm the truth, Joe continued slugging Roy.
Matt Patterson walked through the front door and grabbed Joe. "Joe, he's not worth it." He glanced at Roy. "You must be the man who raped Sara."
Sara, Mark, and Linda, Sara's mother, stared at the large man who just walked through the front door.
Matt looked at Chip. "I suggest you get this man out of here, before Joe kills him. I'd kill any man who victimized the woman I love. I know Joe well enough to know he'd do the same, especially someone who allowed her to be treated as an outcast for almost fifteen years."
As Chip led Roy from the house, Matt walked over to Sara. "Hi, I'm Matt Patterson. You must be Sara Riley." He extended his hand. "I'm glad to finally meet you." After he kissed her cheek, he added, "I'm sorry it's under such horrible circumstances." He glanced toward the door. "My wife, Dani, will be in shortly. She's calling her mom to check on the kids."
When Joe walked up to Matt, they shook hands and put one arm around each other's back. Joe released a deep breath. "Thank you. As usual, you show up at exactly the right moment. I hope you had a good flight." He walked over to Sara and took her hands in his. "I'm sorry."
"How did you ...?" she whispered.
"I figured it out when I discovered you had a great right hook." He started to put his arms around her, but stopped when she stepped back. "I've scared you, haven't I?"
Dani walked in the front door. "Matt, will you talk to Drew? He won't go to bed for Grandma until he says good night to his dad." She held her cell toward him.
Sara stared at Dani and Matt. Dani's photograph didn't do her justice. She was gorgeous and petite with long, black hair. Matt was handsome and huge. She sighed as she scanned his frame. He must be close to six and a half feet tall and she's shorter than me. Noticing Joe hug Dani and whisper something to her, she wondered if violence was a way of life for him.
Dani held out her hand to Sara. "I'm Dani Patterson. I'm glad to meet you."
After shaking hands, Dani continued, "Joe's told me so much about you. I'm here because I'm the Task Force's computer hacker. That's how I met Matt. Joe's worried Cassie met someone on-line and asked me to check the computer." She glanced toward the kitchen. "Could I have a drink of water before I start?"
"Sure." Sara led Dani into the kitchen where she filled a glass with ice, then water.
Dani took a drink. "I'm sorry I hit you with so much information. I like getting formalities out of the way. That way we can start our friendship."
Dani smiled at Sara. "Joe and Matt have been friends since their freshman year at West Point. Joe calls Matt daily, so he's already told us about you and Cassie. I'm glad he found somebody as special as you."
Sara brushed hair from her face. "Everything's happened so fast with Joe. I felt like I knew him, but now I'm not sure."
Dani set the glass on the counter. "I know we just met, but Joe loves you. That makes us family. I can already tell why he fell so hard for you so fast. He's told me you're very straightforward. I can tell by your eyes you need to talk, and not to your mother, right?"
As Sara nodded, moisture filled her eyes.
"What's bothering you, besides not knowing where your daughter is?"
Sara took a glass from the cabinet, filled it with ice and water, and then took slow sips. "Would Joe have killed Roy?"
"I don't know." She chewed on her lower lip. "Task Force men are trained to kill, but only when the situation warrants. If someone hurt a loved one, I believe they're capable of killing. If Cassie's hurt and Joe or Matt finds them, I'm confident they'll kill that person."
Sara, afraid to ask the next question, hesitated. "What if Cassie or I make Joe angry? Would he hurt us?"
Moisture entered Dani's eyes. "Never. Matt, Joe, or any of the Task Force men aren't capable of hurting loved ones or innocent people."
"Is there a switch they flip to turn their anger on and off? How can they control it?"
Matt called, "Dani, did you forget about the computer? I told our pilot we wouldn't be here long."
"Just a minute," she answered before saying to Sara, "When Matt recruits for the Task Force, he looks for special qualities. One of the qualities is they must act like gentlemen at all times. They need to be men of strong character."
Dani put her hand on Sara's arm. "I know you just met me, but please trust me on this. Joe isn't capable of hurting you or Cassie." She glanced toward the computer. "I'd better get started."
| Author Notes | Thank you again, mirrorman for allowing me to use 'Predator' again. I, again to thank my FS family for the prayers and well wishes. The extra breast tissue and lymph node removed and biopsied on the 16th showed no additional cancer. Now, in Oct I start chemo, then radiation, and finally hormonal therapy to make sure the cancer doesn't return. Thank you, I am sure the doctor's were complaining about lack of space, with all of you by my side. |
By barbara.wilkey
Dani turned on the computer as Joe watched over her shoulder. She turned toward him, while waiting for it to boot-up. "Sara needs time to think things through. She's scared."
"She looked at me as if she's afraid of me. Did I scare her?"
"She knew you worked for the Task Force, but she wasn't prepared to see ...."
"What does POS mean?" Joe interrupted as Sara walked into the room. He squeezed Dani's shoulder.
"Parent over shoulder."
"So they have their own language." Shaking his head, he said, "Pretty clever, aren't they?"
Sara stood beside Dani, but opposite Joe. "Can the computer tell you what happened to Cassie?"
"It tells me Cassie was instant messaging someone who describes himself as a fifteen year old boy," she said, reading the monitor. "I need to search further. It won't be easy finding out who this guy is. It'll take time. I'm guessing he's a professional. Would it be all right if I take the computer back to the Task Force? I'll bring it back in a few days."
"Go ahead. This is the computer Cassie uses, and she won't be using it ...." She stopped and wiped her eyes with the back of her hand.
When Jim and Derek walked through the front door, Matt said, "Sara, I want you to meet Jim Bookman and Derek Holmes. They'll be assisting Joe to find Cassie." He stared toward the door. "Where's George?"
Jim offered his hand to Sara. "Glad to meet you. Sorry it has to be under these circumstances." He turned and answered Matt, "He's organizing the supplies in the rental car. He'll be here in a few minutes."
As Jim spoke, George entered. "Hi, sorry I'm late. I'm George Wright, Joe's partner." After greeting Sara, he turned to Matt. "I need to speak privately with you and Joe." The men walked outside.
Derek shook Sara's hand. "Hi, I'm glad to meet you." He glanced at Dani. "Have you found anything?"
"Maybe. Will you help me carry this to the car?" She pointed at the computer. "I'm taking it back." She reached behind the desk and unplugged the cords.
As Derek and Jim helped Dani, Joe returned with Matt and George.
Joe scratched his head. "I knew something was wrong. We have Steven's team, but no Steven."
Matt grinned. "Leya's final trimester doesn't start for another three weeks, but those twins seem to think Steven's needed close to home."
*****
Sara went into the kitchen and sipped water. Joe almost killed a man in my living room and they're discussing a pregnancy like everything's normal. What's wrong with them?
She overheard Dani teasing Matt, "You know if it was me in the same situation you wouldn't leave my side until you felt the babies and I were safe."
When Sara heard this, she ran cold water in her hands and splashed it on her face. With the towel still in her hands, Sara walked back into the room. She swallowed. "Joe, why are these people helping me?"
"Joe's part of our family," said Matt before Joe could answer. "He loves you and Cassie, that makes you part of our family. Our team takes care of each other."
"But, you don't know me."
"We don't need to know you." Dani stood beside Sara and touched her arm. "Joe thinks you're special and that's good enough for us. We trust his judgment."
"I thought." Sara hesitated. "I thought The Task Force fought drugs, not missing children."
Matt ran his fingers through his short brown hair. "You're right, but in certain situations we make exceptions. This is one of those occasions."
Jim teased, "The real reason is when we joined the Task Force we pledged our allegiance to the United States, and then to come to the aid of beautiful women."
Matt rubbed the back of his neck. "Of course, that's it." He shook his head.
Dani answered her cell and sighed. "Emily won't take a bottle. I need to hurry back." Glancing toward Sara, she said, "Emily's my six month old daughter. I nurse her so she's very opinionated about bottles."
Matt took Dani's arm. "We better hurry. I'm sure your daughter isn't objecting silently."
Dani touched Sara's arm. "I'll bring the computer back in a few days. Emily has her father's temper."
"And a mind of her own like her mother," teased Matt. "We need to hurry. There's nothing worse than being around a hungry baby." He took out his cell and called the pilot. "We'll be ready to leave within thirty minutes."
Sara watched Matt and Dani exit the front door and said under her breath, "I know. I nursed Cassie and she wouldn't take a bottle, either."
She listened, as Joe said to the men, "There's a nice hotel on Maple Ave. It's the second right off Main St. I think it'll be comfortable. First light we'll check out the area around The Burger Palace and see if there are any clues I've missed. So far all we know is we're looking for a white SUV."
After the men left, Sara took some clean sheets from a closet. When she turned around, Joe stood behind her. "I'll change the sheets on Cassie's bed and you can stay in there. She won't be using it tonight."
Taking the sheets from her, he said, "I can change my own sheets." He looked toward Cassie's room, then back at Sara. "I'd like to know why you're suddenly afraid of me."
She stared at her feet. "You're a trained killer."
"I'm a trained officer in the United States Army who works for Task Force 385. My job's to stop drug traffic within the borders of the United States. Sometimes I am forced to kill, but that's not who I am. Why is this suddenly an issue? You knew about my job before tonight."
Sara stared at the wall Joe had thrown Roy against. "Would you have killed him? What if Cassie or I make you angry?"
He dropped the sheets as he tried to put his arms around her. When she backed away, he stopped. "I'd never hurt either of you. I wouldn't have killed Roy, either, but I did want to cause the same amount of pain he's caused you that Sunday morning in that church parking lot." He released a deep breath. "Or the prom night when he raped you."
Sara walked silently toward her room. After she shut the door, she leaned against it. I want to believe Joe isn't capable of harming Cassie or me, but can I?
| Author Notes | Thank you Captain Terrible for the beautiful artwork; I'm There For You Always. I know Cassie is a teenager, but for some reason, this artwork told me it was the one I should use. My main computer got a nasty virus and it down for a few days. I am using a laptop that I am not used to. Luckily I had saved my novel to a thumb drive. I can't even turn my computer on, right now. I will return to work on Monday. So far, it looks like I begin chemo in two weeks, around the 21st of October. I will keep you posted. |
By barbara.wilkey
CHAPTER EIGHT
Sunday Morning
3:20 A.M.
Sleep had escaped Joe as he lay on his back staring at the ceiling fan. He rolled over and looked at the clock. Twenty-five minutes had passed since his last check. Standing in its center, Joe scanned the bedroom from top to bottom. A photograph of Sara and Cassie drew his attention. He stepped toward it and held it. Gently with his finger, he rubbed their cheeks through the glass and sighed.
Reaching over, he picked up Cassie's softball glove. After slowly pulling it on his hand, he hit the ball in the pocket of the mitt. He looked inside her closet and smiled at the blue and white cheerleading outfit. She's the all American girl next door. He touched the outfit. "Cassie, where are you?"
###
While waiting for coffee to perk, Joe checked on Sara. Wrapped in a light blue, raggedy terrycloth robe, she rocked in a chair and stared out the open window.
As Joe came closer, she turned. "My baby didn't come home last night."
He knelt beside her. "I know."
"This is the first night we've ever been apart."
Hesitantly, he placed his hand over hers. He swallowed, expecting her to move her hand and was unsure what to do when she didn't. He glanced at the bed. "You haven't been to bed?"
Still staring out the window, she said, "I didn't want to miss Cassie walking through the door." She swallowed and glanced at the rumbled blankets. "While Cassie was abducted, we made love."
"I know but ...." He took a deep breath, before he added, "I think Cassie would be missing even if we never met. I don't think our relationship had anything to do with it."
"You're probably right." She turned back to the window. "But I feel guilty I wasn't available to protect her."
"So do I." He stared at the floor. "I should've protected her."
Sara's eyes met his. "It's not your job to protect my daughter, but it is mine."
"You're a great mother. Nobody could've protected her from ...." He wasn't sure how to continue, as he rubbed the top of her hand with his thumb.
"I have an idea that might help you relax." He remembered Dani left a box of supplies. When she glanced in his direction, he asked, "Want to try?" He stood.
As she stood, he held her hand and led her into the hallway. He glanced toward the rumpled blankets on the bed and gulped.
Standing outside the bathroom, Joe said, "I need to get something. I'll be right back."
He returned carrying a medium sized cardboard box. "Dani left a few things she thought might come in handy." He opened the bathroom door.
When Sara stopped walking, he asked, "Is something wrong?" He hesitated a moment. "Dani left candles and bubble bath. She swears soaking in a bathtub filled with hot water and candles can help relax the most stressful situations. Want to try it?"
"The only thing that can help me is Cassie standing in my kitchen, begging me to take her somewhere."
*****
Sara watched Joe place the scented candles on the counter around the bathroom and lit them. Then he turned on the water and poured scented bubble bath into the tub. "The label says it's lavender and relaxing. Let me know if it works." He set the bottle on the counter. "The team should be here before you finish. I'll be gone most of the day. George will stay back in case you need anything."
He felt the water before he stood behind her, reached around and untied the robe.
When he slipped it from her shoulders, Sara swallowed. "Sorry, I didn't bother putting on my nightgown."
"I think your bath is ready." He hung the robe on a hook on the back of the door and turned to leave.
She stepped into the tub and sat down. "Joe?" She paused. "Please be safe. I don't want to ...."
"Hopefully, I'll bring Cassie safely back to you in time for dinner."
After Sara heard the door shut, she stared at the showerhead and tears rolled down her cheeks as visions of them making love in the shower entered her mind.
*****
Pouring a cup of coffee, Joe wished he could hear Sara say she loved him. While he sipped his black coffee, he remembered she's never said the words 'I love you'. As he stared at the bathroom door, he sighed. Will the job I love cost me the woman I love?
Joe drank a second cup of coffee and heard a knock on the front door. He answered and watched George hand each man a weapon.
"Before we went to the hotel last night we stopped by The Burger Palace. Outside the drugstore, on the opposite side of the street, is an ATM. The security camera had a perfect view of the white SUV and the license plate." George glanced toward Joe.
"I didn't even notice the drugstore." Joe shook his head.
George put his hand on Joe's shoulder. "You're emotionally involved with the case. That's why I'm here. I'm covering your back." He glanced toward the door. "We called the local police department last night. A few minutes ago they called us with the owner's address." He held out a piece of white paper.
Joe reached for the paper. "Let's go." He walked toward the door.
"Joe." When he turned toward Sara, she had her robe wrapped around her and said, "I don't want you to leave ...." She stopped, not sure how to finish the sentence but walked to him.
Joe, unsure of himself, put his arms around her.
As he pulled her closer, she felt a bulge on his left side. She stepped back, opened his jacket, and covered her mouth with her right hand. "A gun!"
"It's a standard part of our uniform."
As Sara surveyed the other men, they each opened their jackets and revealed their weapons.
George looked down at his. "Maybe while I'm in the house, I won't need mine." He took it from the holster, checked the safety and searched for a safe place to put it.
"You won't," confirmed Joe. "Sara, I need to get to work. I'll be in contact with George, so you'll have updates." He reached for Sara's hand.
She started to pull back, but didn't. Instead, she watched his large hand engulf hers and then raised her eyes to his and gulped.
"We'll get through this," he whispered.
"Please find Cassie."
"I will. I promise." He glanced toward the door.
Sara watched, as Joe exited through the door with Jim and Derek following behind. She turned toward George. "It looks like Joe made a pot of coffee. Would you like a cup? I have a feeling this may take awhile."
"Time will pass faster if you have a project or something to keep you busy."
She looked at the walls. "I was thinking about painting the living room, but have never found time."
George took a long drink of coffee. "I'll help. What color? I've always been partial to blue."
"You'd do that for me?"
"Since joining the Task Force, I've spent many hours waiting. I'd much rather paint a room than watch you pace."
"After I change, we'll go to Dad's store and get the paint. I always thought orange was a pretty color."
He called after her, "You're under duress. I'd better choose the color."
| Author Notes | Thank you Angelheart for your wonderful artwork 'Soul Storm'; actions questioned. Sara is definitely questioning her actions. My computer is still down, so I am using a new laptop while trying to learn Windows 7. I'm hoping by this time next week, it will be squared away. I have decided I must be praying for patience because God is attempting to teach me and I'm a slow learner. My glasses broke this week and the only back ups I have are prescription sunglasses. I will not begin to tell you about the looks I am getting. An old lady wearing sunglasses inisde, oh my!!! My new glasses should be in no later than Wednesday. I want to thank all of you for sticking by me. |
By barbara.wilkey
Sara stood above George and watched him kneel as he pried off the lid. Then she bent over, picked it up, and studied the paint residue. "Are you sure about this color? It's light lavender." She turned it over and read the name. "It's called 'So Soft Lilac'. Do you think it's too light?"
George poured paint into a paint tray and handed it to her. "You'll like the color once it's on the wall. The orange you chose would've made the room look small. It was too orange. Why don't you start on this wall?" He pointed to the one by the front door. "I'll start over here." He walked toward the wall to her left.
Before he set the tray down, he answered his cell phone. As he put it away, he glanced at Sara. "They talked to the owners of the white SUV. It was stolen yesterday afternoon around four. Sometime after ten, it showed up in their driveway. The crime lab is searching it for evidence."
"It seems strange the thieves would return it after they took it."
"I agree. They sent it through a carwash and vacuumed it. These guys are pros."
"We're no closer to finding Cassie than we were yesterday, are we?" She slapped a roller full of paint against the wall.
George cringed at the amount of paint dripping down the wall. "Have faith. The lab will find evidence. Criminals usually make mistakes. When they do, we'll be waiting."
Sara laid the roller in the tray and placed her hands on her hips. "If we knew what he looked like, I could walk around town with a picture until I found somebody who saw him."
George nodded toward her tray of paint. "You need to paint. We'll take care of the investigation."
"But ...."
"But nothing. Paint! We're good at what we do."
Sara stared at the wall. "Oh darn! Look at the drips." She squeezed the excess paint from her roller and tried to press them out. "I'll paint, but I'm not very good at it either."
*****
Early afternoon, Sara finished the ceiling trim and stopped halfway down the ladder. "What do you think about the front door? How about dark lilac?"
The door opened, hitting the ladder. George yelled, "Stop!" He hurried over and cracked it. "Just a minute. We need to move the ladder."
"What's a ladder doing next to the front door?" Joe walked in, scratched his head, and glanced at Sara. "Why are you covered with paint?"
"Because I'm a sloppy painter." She removed her baseball cap and studied the drops of paint. Do you think this color's right for the living room? It's called 'So Soft Lilac'. I wanted to paint the room orange, but ...."
George set down his paintbrush and answered Joe, "I thought she needed a distraction. She decided to paint the room. I agreed to help."
Joe grinned at Sara, answering George, "Maybe you should've explained to her that she should paint the wall, not herself." He touched a paint drip on her cheek. "Your face is pretty even with paint splattered all over it."
She ignored him. "I know how to paint, but I've had problems keeping my mind on task."
"I understand." Joe rubbed the back of his neck.
"Do you know where Cassie is?" she asked. Her eyes met his.
"The crime lab found some long brown hairs on the backseat of the SUV. I came to get Cassie's hairbrush, toothbrush, or something for a DNA sample."
Sara hurried to Cassie's room and returned. "Here's Cassie's hair brush." She handed it to Joe, then glanced at George. "This lilac would look better in my bedroom. I think the light tan you chose would look better in the living room. Is it too late to start over?"
George smiled at Joe, while he answered Sara, "We'll paint this room as many different colors as we need to until you find one you like."
"Thank you." She looked toward her bedroom. "The only problem's my curtains and bedspread won't match." She released a deep breath. "I'll worry about that later."
"I need to get back to work." Joe filled his thermos with coffee, before glancing at Sara. "I'll see you tonight."
"Joe, wait!" Sara hurried over to him. "Is Cassie alive?"
He took her hand. "The crime lab didn't find any evidence of blood, so the chances of her being alive are good."
With her eyes closed, she asked, "Was she raped?"
"There was no evidence of rape in the SUV." He adjusted his jacket. "All we know is the older couple who owns the SUV had nothing to do with Cassie's abduction."
George touched Sara's arm. "After we get the tan paint, I'll buy lunch."
Sara stared at the front door. "Maybe we should repaint the lilac before dinner."
*****
It was after midnight, when Joe returned. He scanned the living room; two walls still painted lilac and one wall painted tan. The fourth wall was its original off-white color. When George walked out of the kitchen, Joe asked, "She still hasn't made up her mind which color to paint the living room?"
George glanced at the walls and grinned. "I think they'll be tan, or should I say 'Angel Food', but it's too early to tell." He studied Sara's bedroom door. "She's doing well under the circumstances. She's a strong lady."
"If my daughter was missing, I don't think I'd be doing as well. Thank you for staying with her."
"I don't mind. She's easy to work with, but I'd better catch-up with the men. I'll see you around five o'clock. Try getting some rest. You won't be any good to Cassie or Sara."
"I'll try," Joe interrupted. As he watched George leave, he sat at the desk where Cassie's computer used to sit and connected his laptop.
While he waited for it to boot-up, he took the bedding Sara had given him last night and laid it on the sofa. He shut the door to Cassie's room, knowing he'd never get any sleep in there.
Joe studied the information Dani had sent him and knew they were on the right track, but still weren't close to finding Cassie.
When Joe heard a noise, he turned toward the door and watched Sara pull the tie of her terry cloth robe around her slender waist. He glanced at his watch. "What are you doing up so late? It's quarter to three. You should be asleep."
"Why aren't you asleep?" She tried reading over his shoulder, but he closed the lid to his computer. "Is that information about who has Cassie?"
He swallowed before he answered, "It's information that might help us find her, but it's too early to tell."
"Would you tell me what you know?" She lifted the lid of the computer.
"I'll share as much information as I know, but we don't have a lot to go on, yet. I don't like speculating." He took her hand as he led her to the couch. "There's really nothing new. It appears we're dealing with an organized crime group. That is all we really know." He moved the bedding aside, so Sara could sit.
"Why are you sleeping on the couch? You can use Cassie's room."
"I tried last night. All I could think about was Cassie. How she enters a room with a burst of energy and that she has her whole future ahead of her."
Her eyes met his. "Why are you feeling guilty? You're not responsible for her disappearance."
"I felt there was something wrong with the instant messaging she was using. If I would've followed my gut, maybe Cassie would be sleeping in her own bed." He glanced toward her bedroom door.
"I don't blame you." She caressed his cheek and felt the rough stubbles. "So a predator used the Internet to search for an innocent victim?"
"Yes. Dani's the best computer hacker in the business and she's struggling to follow his trail. That's what leads us to believe we're dealing with organized crime, not just some fly-by-night predator." He placed his hand on top of hers, still touching his cheek. "Sorry, I haven't taken time to shave."
Sara removed her hand. "I understand."
"Our men are sitting outside a suspect's house tonight. We don't know if he has Cassie or not. We might know something by morning."
"What about sleep?"
"They sleep on a rotating basis. Two men pull surveillance while one man sleeps. After four hours, he relieves someone and then he sleeps."
"I don't think four hours is enough sleep."
"How much sleep have you had the past two nights?"
She stood. "You have a point." At her bedroom door, she turned toward Joe. "Your razor stubbles don't bother me, but I prefer your face smooth." She shut her bedroom door.
*****
Joe lay on his back and stared at the 'So Soft Lilac' walls. I wonder what color they'll be tomorrow night. He rolled onto his left side. I wondered if Sara will ever believe I could never harm her or Cassie. She has allowed me to hold her hand and she has touched my cheek since Cassie went missing. He touched his cheek where her hand had been.
He got up, stood outside her bedroom door, and leaned against it. I wish she'd allow me to comfort her. Sara trusted me enough to confide the details of Cassie's conception. The hours we spent at the bluff getting to know each other were special. Will we be able to get that back?
Joe stared at the doorknob before he placed his hand on it thinking about how wonderful it was making love with her. He sighed, then turned, and lay back down on the couch.
When his cell phone rang, he had just closed his eyes. After listening a few minutes, he said, "I'm on my way. Don't lose them." He dashed from the house.
| Author Notes | Thank you artforcancer for your lovely artwork 'Lilac.' I feel it helps us see the colors Sara is attempting to paint her living room. I am still in sunglasses and my computer is still with the computer doctor. The earliest my computer could come home is today, no call and the latest my glasses were supposed to come in was last Wednesday. I am not happy, but I am sure there is a humorous short story in this. I just need to get it on paper. Thank you for sticking with me through all of this. I am not sure this post is ready, but I am giving it a shot. |
By barbara.wilkey
CHAPTER NINE
Monday Morning
5:45 A.M.
Sara opened the bathroom door and stared at Joe. Shaving cream covered his face; except for the area on his cheek he'd already shaven. She only saw his right side, but her eyes scanned his muscular shoulder and arm, stopping at the waistband of the dark gray sweatpants. "You don't need to shave for me." She started to turn.
"I'm not." He attempted to walk past as their bodies touched. "Sorry, I'll let you use the bathroom. I can finish in the kitchen."
"There isn't a mirror in the kitchen. I'm in no hurry. Go ahead and finish." Again, their bodies brushed against each other as she passed him.
*****
When Joe entered the living room, he saw Sara holding his shirt. He walked to her and reached for it. "Sorry. I must've left it on the chair."
She held the bloody sleeve as she searched each of his arms. "Whose blood is this? Was somebody here last night?"
"After you went to bed, I received a call and had to leave." He grabbed the shirt from her. "The two men we were watching tried to flee. We had to stop them."
"Where's Cassie? Did they have Cassie? Was Cassie hurt?" She searched his face for answers.
He stared at the blood on the shirt. "Both men chose to die instead of being questioned and possibly going to jail."
"Nobody chooses to die." Sara stomped toward her room and slammed the door, then opened it and yelled, "If they were alive, maybe they could've led you to Cassie, or at least told you who has her." Again, she slammed the door.
Joe wadded up the shirt and threw it on the couch. "I know. That's why we wanted them alive." He clinched his fists. "It's called suicide by cop," he said loud enough in hopes she would hear. He turned toward the couch. Haven't you ever heard the term? I'm sure she hasn't. Why would she?
When Joe answered a knock on the front door, George asked, "Is Sara up?" There was no answer so he continued, "She found out about last night's set back?"
Joe walked to the front sidewalk, then came back and knocked on Sara's bedroom door. "I'm leaving. George will stay with you. I won't be back until late tonight, so don't wait up." Under his breath he added, "Like you would anyway."
*****
It was mid-morning when Sara answered the telephone. "Hi Dani." She paused, then asked, "Did Joe tell you to call me?"
"I haven't spoken with Joe since late yesterday. Why? What happened?"
"Somehow the men who might've led us to Cassie are dead."
"Sometimes suspects would rather die than take the chance of going to prison. If the people they work for think they've talked, there's a chance they could be tortured and killed even in prison."
"I never considered that. I was only thinking about Cassie."
"Were any of our men hurt?"
"I never thought to ask." Sara doodled on a note pad and was silent.
"Did you and Joe have words about the men dying?"
"I said some things I shouldn't have, but Joe stayed professional."
"It's frustrating when the men do that, isn't it?"
"Yes, but how would you know?"
Dani laughed. "It happens to me often. Sometimes I want to just scream at Matt, but he always stays in control. I can tell when he's angry. On rare occasions he raises his voice, but he always has command of himself."
After pausing a few seconds, Dani added, "Joe's the same. That's how I know he'd never hurt you or Cassie. I have a feeling he's just as frustrated as you that he lost a possible lead."
Sara heard a baby crying in the background.
"Emily's awake. I'm sure she's hungry. I'd like to bring the computer back tomorrow, but it may be Wednesday before I can get away." She hesitated. "I bet if you said you're sorry, Joe would understand. You probably don't even need to say the words. I'm sure he can see it in your face or feel it in your touch."
Sara stared at her hand as she replaced the receiver.
"Do you need to talk with Joe?" George stood beside her and took a sip of coffee. "I'd call him for you."
"He's working. I wouldn't want to interfere."
"I have a feeling he's just as concerned about the situation as you and wouldn't mind the interruption." He removed his cell phone from his pocket and pressed a button.
She reached for the phone. "Please don't. I'm not sure what I'd say."
"Why don't you try telling him how you feel?"
"My feelings are all jumbled up. I'm not sure what I feel."
"Then tell him that. I'm sure he already knows you have conflicting feelings about a lot of things, but I'm sure he'd want you to be honest."
"You're probably right." She paused before she added, "I better think this through while I paint. Can I call him later?"
"We'll paint first." George put away the phone and scanned the cans of paint. "Should I open the lilac or tan?"
"Open the 'Angel Food'; no 'So Soft Lilac'; no." She searched around the room with hands on hips. "How do you feel about blue?" She let out a deep breath. "When we first discussed painting this room, you said you liked blue."
"I do like blue, but this is your living room. What color do you like?"
"GEORGE!" She sat on the floor. "Cassie's been abducted. I don't know where I stand with Joe, or even where I want to stand. My living room's three different colors and I don't know what color I want it to be." As she ducked her head between her knees, her hands and arms covered it. "My life's out of control and I don't know how to get it under control."
George sat beside her and took her hand. "You get your life under control one step at a time. The Task Force will help you find Cassie. I'm sure you and Joe will work out the problems with your relationship once Cassie's safe. As for the living room, you and only you can decide what color you want it. Right now, all you need to concentrate on is the living room."
"Will you take me to Dad's store so I can get blue paint? The kitchen will look great in 'Angel Food' and the curtains will match. I think the hallway will look good painted 'Angel Food', don't you?"
He rubbed the back of his neck. "Blue it is. Let's go."
*****
As George opened the can of blue paint, his cell phone rang. After he listened, he handed Sara the phone. "It's Joe. Do you have something you want to say to him?"
After taking three deep breaths, she asked, "Were any of the guys hurt last night?"
"Only a few bumps and bruises."
She wished he'd said more. "Good." As she tried to muster up the courage to say she was sorry, she paused. "Joe, I ...."
"We'll talk when I get back tonight," he interrupted. "I'm needed right now."
"That's fine." A feeling of relief overcame her. Now she'd have more time to think about what she wanted to say. She handed the phone back to George. "I didn't say very much."
He put his arm around her shoulder and squeezed. "It was a good start. Now let's paint. Where do you want to start?"
She pointed toward the only wall they hadn't painted. "This wall will look good in 'Peppermint Vinca'."
| Author Notes |
Thank you, Angelheart for allowing me to use Storm Brewing in The Heavens. Once again you provided me with the perfect artwork to accompany my post.
Unless something happens that I am unaware of, my Chemo will begin this Thursday, Oct 28th. I need all of your support to get through this. I can honestly say I am more worried about the Chemo than I was the surgery. I hope all of you are by my side during this therapy, especially the first one. |
By barbara.wilkey
Sara stood in front of the TV as the six o'clock news began. She set down her paintbrush and listened to the headline story. She glanced at George with tears rolling down her cheeks. "Is it true? If missing children aren't found within the first twenty-four hours the chances of finding them alive are slim. Cassie's been missing for forty-eight hours."
George stared at the TV. "It's true, but your circumstances are different from most."
"How are they different?"
I can't tell her the evidence led us to believe Cassie was abducted to use in child pornography videos. Dani's working overtime to find the headquarters of this pornography ring.
"Is the reason the press hasn't hounded me, because the Task Force's shielding me? George, please be honest."
"Matt made sure you're off limits to the press." He sighed as he watched Sara answer the telephone. When her face went pale, he stepped closer. After she slammed the receiver down, he asked, "Who was it and what did he say?" He removed the tape from the recorder Joe had placed on it Saturday evening.
Sara wrung her hands. "He said if the police don't leave, they'd kill Cassie. She's alive. She called for me!" She ran to the door and opened it. "Get out of my house, now!" When George didn't move, she screamed, "Get out!"
"We're not going anywhere." He put one arm around her shoulders and took out his cell phone. After relaying the message to Joe, he led Sara to the couch.
"Don't you understand?" Tears streamed down her cheeks. "They'll kill Cassie. You need to leave my house."
Within ten minutes the front door opened, and Sara jumped up. "Joe?"
Jim held his hand out so George could give him the tape. "Sorry Sara. Joe's trailing a possible suspect. He won't be available until later. I came to get the tape so the crime lab can analyze the voice and surrounding noises. Hopefully, they can tell us who called and where they called from. Is there a message you want me to relay to Joe?"
"No. George's here. I'm fine."
As Jim walked out the door, his fingers fidgeted with the tape. He turned and asked, "Are you sure you're all right?"
After she nodded, he left.
Sara sat on the couch beside George and stared at him. "Why aren't you listening to what that man said? He has Cassie."
George took her hand. "I know he has Cassie. If we leave, you'll never see Cassie again. He'll take her deeper underground and do who knows what to her. We're your only hope of ever finding your daughter. We're getting close or he wouldn't have called."
"But if you get too close, he'll kill Cassie."
He swallowed. "That's a possibility." He brushed a hair strand from her cheek. "I know you only met me a few days ago. Don't you trust Joe enough to know he'll do whatever it takes to bring your daughter back alive?"
She leaned into his chest and wept.
*****
Sara lay across her bed, waiting for Joe to return Exhaustion took over, and she fell asleep. It was after midnight when a noise woke her. She walked into the living room and saw Joe was on the couch wearing dark gray sweat pants and a white athletic T-shirt. She didn't know when he'd arrived or when George had left.
She knelt on the floor beside and touched the bloody gash in his arm. Without opening an eye, Joe said, "Please. Don't, it's nothing."
She jumped. "I thought you were asleep."
He sat up. "Not yet. I just got in a few minutes ago."
She stared at his arm. "What happened? Are more people dead?"
"Sara, I'm too tired to argue."
"I'm sorry. I don't want to either." She swallowed. "Are you all right? Can I get you anything?"
"I'm fine," he snapped.
"You're tired." She walked toward her room. "Maybe we can talk in the morning." She shut the door behind her.
*****
Barely able to keep his eyes open, Joe lay awake on the couch. He sat up and cringed in pain from the gash. He knew it needed stitches but didn't want to take the time to go to the emergency room. He crept toward Sara's bedroom and knocked on the door. There was no answer.
After waiting, he opened the door. "Sara, I'm sorry I snapped."
She sat on her bed with tears streaming down her cheeks as she held the family album on her lap and glanced at Joe. "I deserved it."
"You don't deserve anything that's happened." He sat beside her and looked at a photograph in the album, noticing a pregnant teenager. "That's you, isn't it?"
She wiped her tears. "Dad took it. I went into labor at five-thirty the following morning. I was huge."
"You were beautiful. Were you alone when you delivered Cassie?"
"No. Mom and Dad stayed with me the entire eighteen hours." She smiled. "Dad left just before delivery." She turned the page.
Joe touched a picture. "I remember you at this age. Cassie looks just like you."
Sara closed the book. "I'm sorry for the way I've acted." She studied his arm. "Can I get you a bandage?"
"If it'll make you feel better."
When Sara returned, she cleaned the wound. "You need stitches." She placed the bandage trying to pull the sides of the wound as close together as she could.
Joe watched without flinching. "Somebody threw a knife at me, and it grazed my arm. We rescued seven teenage girls, but Cassie wasn't among them. I think we're putting so much pressure on them they keep moving her and probably the bulk of their operation. That's the reason for the phone call you received this evening."
Joe glanced toward the door. "We were easily visible, because we hoped to force them to make a mistake. After the phone call, we pulled back and started covert operations. Dani found additional information and Matt added men."
"Thank you for your honesty."
"That man will probably call again. When he does, I want you to tell him you told the police Cassie's a runaway. The police decided not to search for her anymore. If they ask about a man staying with you, tell them you have a male companion living with you."
He searched the room. "You can also tell them you hired someone to paint the interior of the house. I like all the colors but I'm not sure I like them in the same room."
"I'm sorry ...."
"I've asked you not to apologize. You're handling this situation better than most mothers could." He swallowed, then continued, "I know you don't like the violence that surrounds my life. I thought you knew about it. It never dawned on me it'd affect our relationship."
"It's not the violence as much as it's a fear you can't turn it off. What if Cassie or I make you angry and you ...."
"I would never hurt you or Cassie," he interrupted. "I can promise I'll never raise my hand to either of you."
"How can you promise something like that? You're a trained killer."
"I'm a graduate of West Point and I'm a member of Task Force 385. I'm not a trained killer." He paused, knowing Sara already knew that. Dani said Sara needed space and time. "I'm also a man that's very much in love with you. We'll put 'us' back together once Cassie's rescued."
She stared at the photo album. "Thank you for being so understanding. I'm pretty sure I don't deserve it."
He laid his hand on hers. "We've already agreed you won't put yourself down around me, remember?"
When Joe closed his eyes, Sara said, "You're tired, we can continue this later."
"Are you sure? If you need to talk, I'll stay."
"I'm sure." As Joe stood to leave, Sara said, "Thank you. This talk helped."
He wanted to hold and kiss her, but feared she wasn't ready. "Glad." He stood, walked out, and answered his ringing phone.
As Joe talked on the cell phone, he took off his sweat pants and put on blue jeans. "I'm on my way." He grabbed his shirt and shoulder holster.
Sara stood at the front door, as he jogged down the sidewalk. "Joe, please don't go. You're injured and tired. Let somebody else do it. If something happened to you, I couldn't stand it." Moisture welled in her eyes.
Joe stopped. "Nothing's going to happen to me. I need to do this. George will be here tomorrow morning. Matt placed some men outside your house. You can't see them, but they're there. If you need anything just step outside a door."
He went back, took her in his arms, and kissed her forehead. "Don't worry. I promise I'll be back." He turned toward his car, then glanced back at Sara standing in the door. He forced a smile. "I'll see you tonight, Munchkin."
| Author Notes |
Thank you lindansteph for your wonderful photography Under dark clouds. I feel Sara is under a dark cloud.
I want to thank all of my fans for supporting me through prayers and well wishes. I honestly draw my strength from you. My first chemotherapy went well. I didn't really start feeling any effects until day. My doctor told me Saturday and Sunday would be the worst and my hair will start falling out on Wednesday or Thursday. I have felt my energy drain from me often today and I have had to stop and rest. I'm not used to that. I wish I could personally give each one of you a hug. |
By barbara.wilkey
CHAPTER TEN
Tuesday Morning
6:00 A.M.
When Sara heard the front door open the following morning, she raced toward it. "Joe, did you find Cassie?"
George rubbed the back of his neck. "Sorry. It's only me."
"Joe received a call last night and left." She lifted the pillow and blankets from the couch. "It doesn't look like he came back. Do you know if he's all right?"
"Joe's fine. The men have been monitoring a house since last night. He felt his presence was necessary." He reached into his pocket and took out some folded bills. "But he wanted me to give this to you. He wants you to buy some curtains and a bedspread that'll match the lilac walls. Want to go shopping?"
She glanced at the clock. "It's too early. The mall doesn't open until ten. We have four hours to waste." She scanned the living room walls. "I have one 'peppermint vinca' wall, one 'angel food', and two 'so soft lilac' walls." She titled her head and put her hands on her hips. "I'm ready for four 'peppermint vinca' walls."
She turned and studied George. "Why did Joe pay for curtains and a bedspread?"
"He didn't go into details. My guess is he cares and hopes it'll help in some way."
"Joe's a good man, isn't he?"
"He is." He shook the blue paint can. "Are you ready to finish painting the living room?"
Sara watched George remove the lid. "I'm not sure I can accept money from Joe."
George chuckled. "You're the first woman I've met who doesn't think she can accept money from a man." He paused. "I'm sure if you try really hard you can force yourself."
She put the paint roller in the pan. "If I accepted it, would I be considered a kept woman?"
George tossed a paint rag toward her. "No, you wouldn't be a kept woman." He shook his head. "You're being ridiculous."
Sara took a few steps toward him. "If you're sure it'll be all right, we'll go shopping after we finish this room." She put the paint roller against the wall and started painting. "Please don't tell Joe about this conversation."
"I won't." He chuckled.
*****
When they returned from the mall, George sat on the couch and stared at the freshly painted walls. "I like the living room this color. You did a good job choosing it."
"Think Cassie will like it?" She sat beside him.
"I'm sure she'll love it. It brightens the room. There's just enough blue that it softens the white." He glanced toward the kitchen. "Are we tackling the kitchen or the bedroom next?"
She studied the two bags sitting on the dining room table. One filled with curtains and the other one filled with the new bedspread. "The bedroom's next." She stood to answer the door.
Dani smiled and hugged her. "How you holding up?"
Matt stood behind Dani, holding Cassie's computer. "Can I put this down, or am I supposed to hold it on the front porch all day?" he teased. "It's heavy."
Sara stepped aside, knowing as strong as Matt was he could hold it all day and it would never be heavy. She watched Matt bend over the table to plug in the computer. "You don't need to do that. I'm not sure I'm ever going to allow Cassie near another computer."
"It's not the computer's fault. She was naive and never suspected anything liked this could happen." Dani took Sara's hand. "This man's an expert at fooling unsuspecting teenage girls, but we'll find him."
"Before he hurts Cassie?"
"He's had to move Cassie so often he hasn't had an opportunity to ...." Matt paused, interrupted by his cell phone.
Sara led Dani to the living room and they sat on the couch. After they discussed the freshly painted walls, Dani asked, "Has your relationship with Joe withstood this ordeal?"
"I think so, but I'm not sure. He says his feelings for me haven't changed. Do you think he's just saying that because I'm upset about Cassie and he doesn't want to add to my stress?"
"I think his feelings for you haven't changed. I didn't think his feelings were ever in question. I thought it was the other way around. You weren't sure how you felt about him."
"When we're together, I feel everything will work out and life will be perfect, then he leaves and reality sinks in. It's not so perfect, as matter of fact it's lousy. Add that to my own doubts about his life, and I haven't been very pleasant to be around. I'm afraid once he has time to think about everything he'll decide he was wrong about me."
"If it makes you feel better, I've talked with Joe daily and some days more often. We center around the computer, but your name finds its way into our discussions. I've had no indication his feelings for you have changed." Dani took Sara's hand.
Sara noticed George and Matt walk into the kitchen. She gulped before she asked, "It's getting more dangerous, isn't it?"
"Yes. The Task Force men are about to crack open the largest child pornography ring in the US. People from around the world buy these Internet videos."
"How can this happen? Isn't the Internet policed?"
"It's so large it's impossible to police. Legitimate companies take the orders and credit card payments, then forward the orders to the porn sites. Once the order's filled the money's placed in legitimate bank accounts."
"Don't these companies know perverts are ordering child pornography?"
"No, they only take a product number. They have no idea what that number stands for."
"Are there pictures of Cassie on the Internet?"
Swallowing first, Dani answered, "Not yet. I constantly check the sites and Cassie's nowhere on them. Like Matt said, we've put so much pressure on them they've been forced to move her."
"If our men get too close, won't they kill Cassie?"
Matt walked into the living room. "That's a possibility, but we're taking every precaution so it doesn't happen." He pushed his sleeves to his elbows. "If we didn't pressure them, they could take Cassie out of the country and we'd never find her."
As Matt answered his cell phone, he stepped into the kitchen. When he finished talking, he motioned for George to join him.
Sara watched the men talk and noticed how their demeanor changed. Their expressions turned stern as their jaw lines became more evident and their eyes darker. The veins on Matt's neck slowly popped out one at a time. George glanced toward Sara as he reached on top of the refrigerator for his shoulder holster and gun.
After Sara swallowed, she looked at Dani. "What happens now?"
"I don't know, but I'm sure you're safe."
"I'm not worried about me. I'm worried about Cassie and the men."
Sara noticed the harshness of Matt's demeanor change, as he walked toward Dani. She wondered if she could have the same affect on Joe.
Matt offered his hand to help Dani stand. "We need to leave. I'm needed at Task Force and you're needed on the computer." After she stood, he slid his arm around her waist and squeezed. "Our flight leaves in thirty minutes."
Following them toward the door, Sara said, "Thank you for everything."
Dani turned and hugged her. "I'll call tomorrow, but if you need anything, call me. Okay?"
As Dani and Matt walked toward the car, Sara watched until the car was out of sight. She turned toward George. "What's going on?"
"There's movement. We're not sure if it's good or bad. Are you ready to paint your bedroom?" He picked up the lilac can of paint and shook it. "Do you think we need to take it to the hardware store and get it shook?"
"It looks like you're doing a good job." She put her hand on his. "What are you trying to protect me from?"
"Honestly, nothing. We know nothing. We're concerned about a few things, but don't know how it's going play out or if it's going to effect us at all."
After swallowing, she studied his eyes. "I'll trust you to be honest with me." She stared at his shoulder holster. "How are you going to paint ...," she touched it, "with this?"
"There's a slim possibility they'll come after you. I'd rather not take any chances."
Not wanting to think about that possibility, she dropped it. "Let's start painting."
| Author Notes |
Thank you thehammer for the perfect artwork, 'the silent hunt'. Again I want to thank all my fans for sticking with me. I appreciate each one of you.
My second chemo treatment is Thursday, so we'll see what next weekend holds for my posting. I will try, but won't make any promises. |
By barbara.wilkey
When Joe opened the front door, he didn't see Sara or George. They must be painting another room. Joe walked into the bedroom and saw Sara in George's arms. As she stepped back, his eyes met George's.
"I'm glad you're back. I want to show you something. But first I need to wash my hands." She held up her paint-splattered hands. "Do you like the color?"
"It's the perfect color for a bedroom," Joe said as he glared at George.
After Sara went into the bathroom, George bent down and closed the paint can. "We've been good friends for twenty plus years. I know I don't need to say this, but I will because I know you're worn-out and stressed about Cassie. Sara slipped coming down the ladder. I caught her so she wouldn't fall." He took the paint roller and brushes to the kitchen sink.
Joe glanced at the walls as he bent down and picked up the paint trays. He entered the kitchen and stood beside George. "You forgot these. Thank you for keeping Sara's mind off Cassie."
"Cassie's always top priority with her. I'm just trying to keep her busy.
Sara walked in carrying two large plastic bags. "Joe, would you like to see the curtains and bedspread I bought?" She laid the curtains across the counter, then held up the bedspread. "Is this too girly for you?"
Joe scratched his head and chuckled. "They should be girly. You're a girl." He paused and stumbled over the words. "I mean you're feminine; a woman."
"I know that." Her eyebrows rose. "But do you like them?"
George winked at Joe. "I'll see you in the morning."
Joe watched George exit the front door. Yea, escape while you can. He turned toward Sara. "This is your area. I don't have a clue what would look good in your bedroom or any bedroom, for that matter."
"I wanted to choose curtains and a bedspread I thought you'd like, but we never discussed anything like that." She smoothed out some wrinkles. "You don't like them, do you?"
Why does she care if I like them or not? He smiled. She wouldn't care unless she wants me in her life. He touched her hand. "I think the curtains will look great against the 'so soft lilac' walls."
While she lifted the corner of the bedspread and studied the stitching, he took out his billfold. "Here." He took out some folded money and offered it to her. "I'm sure sheets went with this bedspread."
"Most bedspreads were covered with flowers. I couldn't imagine you under flowers."
"I can't imagine myself covered with flowers either. You made a good choice. I like the patchwork." Their eyes met. "It is your bedroom. Would you prefer flowers?"
"Not really."
Still holding the cash, he said, "What about sheets?"
"Can they wait until you can pick them out with me?"
"Yes, the sheets can wait." She does want me around. Joe stared at his ringing phone. Why does this moment have to end? He glanced at the number and sighed. "I'm sorry, but I need to take this." He turned and walked to the back porch.
*****
When Joe returned, he watched Sara curled up on the couch, turning pages of a photo album.
Sara glanced at him. "Is everything all right? Are you leaving?"
"No." He took a few steps closer. "Do you want to be alone?"
"No." She patted the cushion beside her. "I'm wishing my life would go back to the way it used to be. Look ...." She pointed to a photo of her teaching Cassie to ride a bike. "Dad took this. It's the day after Cassie's fourth birthday. Mom and Dad gave her that bike."
Joe sat beside her. "You look happy."
"I was and at the same time a little apprehensive. Being able to ride opened a whole new world for her. At the same time I knew I couldn't keep her all to myself." Tears entered her eyes. "Now I wish I'd protected her from the world."
As she wiped her tears, she took a deep breath. "I refuse to cry." She turned the page.
Joe's hand covered hers. "It's okay to cry."
"I know, but it won't bring Cassie back any faster, will it?"
He swallowed. "No, it won't."
Sara pointed to a photograph of Cassie holding a stuffed polar bear. "This was her fifth birthday. She wanted a polar bear and to go to the zoo. I couldn't afford the zoo, but she really loved that polar bear."
"Is it the same polar bear that sits between the pillows on her bed?"
She stared at Cassie's bedroom door. "Yes." She released a deep breath. "I look at that door and expect her to walk out at any second asking to do something or begging me to take her somewhere."
As she scanned around the house, she said, "I think about all the times I got angry because she left her belongings lying around. Now I wish her things were scattered all over the house. It doesn't look natural. I also wish I'd taken her to the zoo. All children should go to the zoo at least once."
Sara leaned her head against Joe's arm. "You can't promise Cassie will return, can you?"
He studied her eyes. "No, I can't. I can promise I'll do everything I can to bring her home and I won't give up no matter how long it takes."
"I know." She shut her eyes, still leaning her head against his shoulder.
After a long silence, Sara sighed. "I guess I should go to bed." She closed the photo album and stood. "Good night."
"Good night, Sara."
*****
Sara tossed and turned unable to sleep. Joe's on the couch. It would feel so nice to be in his arms. She sat on the edge of the bed and stared at the door. I wonder if he's asleep. "Of course, he's asleep, dummy," she whispered. "He's dead tired."
At the window she noticed a falling star. "I wish I may, I wish I might, have the wish, I wish tonight. I wish Cassie would walk through the door." She turned and glanced at the door. "That's silly. I'm an adult. Why would an adult wish upon a star?" As she stared out the window, she said, "Because I can't do anything else but wish and pray."
She walked toward the door and stopped. "Just because Matt's gentle with Dani, doesn't mean Joe would be gentle with me. What about Cassie? I'm sure Matt's gentle with his children, but they're babies and his own. Cassie's a teenager, and Joe isn't her father. He has no bond with her."
Her hand touched the door handle, but she yanked it away. "Joe, I love you." Moisture welled in her eyes. "And I need you, but I can't risk the danger you could bring to my life." She walked back to the window and stared at the stars.
"Why did I have to fall in love with him?" She opened the window and took a deep breath, remembering how comfortable she felt in his presence. The class reunion date was perfect. He didn't judge me when I told him about how I got pregnant with Cassie.
Angry because she fell in love with him, she threw the bedroom door open, stomped to the couch, and slugged his upper arm.
He grabbed his arm. "What did you do that for?"
"Because I love you and need to be held. You told me once your shoulders were strong enough for me to lean on."
Joe sat up. "All you needed to do was ask."
She put her hands on her hips. "Will you hold me?" She hesitated. "Please?"
"Yes." He scooted over and held out his arm. "Come here."
After a gulp, she glanced toward the bedroom. "That's not what I meant. Would you cuddle me?" She held her breath, blew it out, and added, "in bed." She paused. "I only have one wall painted."
He stood and took her hand. "Of course." He led her to the bedroom. "I'm not concerned about the color of your walls."
As Joe held Sara in his arms, she said, "I wished on a falling star tonight that Cassie would walk through my bedroom door. Is that childish?"
"Not nearly as childish as slugging me on the arm, because you wanted to be held. Now go to sleep, Munchkin." He kissed the top of her head.
| Author Notes |
Thank you Deloralock for This Old House, although it's the outside of the house, I've pictured the interior of Sara's house in a simliar condition. This post is helping Joe and Sara's relationship to move along. I know many of my fans are enjoying the mystery, but it is a romance, first then a mystery second.
I finished my second chemo treatment on Thursday. I'm doing as well as anyone can do. My hair started falling out today. I'm trying to be brave about it. My main complaint remains the fatigue. I need to get a handle on it and realize, I just am not going be able to do everything I did before; at least not right now. |
By barbara.wilkey
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Wednesday Morning
6:15 A.M.
Joe opened the bathroom door and stared at Sara's naked body as she dried off. "Excuse me. I thought you were still asleep."
"Sorry. I thought you'd left." She covered herself with the towel.
Joe shut it and leaned against the wall. Only three and half days ago we made love. It seems a lifetime ago.
Through the closed door, Sara interrupted his thoughts. "Joe, I need to ...."
"We'll talk after you're dressed."
"But you'll be gone."
"I'll wait," he said over his shoulder as he answered the knock at the front door.
Joe held it open for George and called to Jim and Derek sitting in the car, "I'll be there in a few minutes."
As Sara opened the door, Joe walked toward her.
Sara stared beyond him. "The men are outside, but you waited for me."
George went to the kitchen. "I need a cup of coffee."
"Of course." His eyes widened. "I told you I would."
"I know. I didn't think you really would. Your work's important and I didn't think ...."
"You didn't think you were important enough for me to wait for?" Joe interrupted as he completed her sentence and took her hands. "You're very important to me." He glanced toward the door. "We have new information that I need to follow-up on."
She released a deep breath. "I just wanted to say thank you for holding me last night. It was the first night I slept even a few hours since Cassie's disappearance."
Joe put his arms around her and drew her closer. "I'll be late tonight, but we'll talk when I get back." He kissed the side of her head and grinned. "You better start painting if you plan on finishing today."
George stepped into the room.
Joe faced him. "I'll stay in touch."
As Joe opened the door, Sara called, "Joe, wait." She went to the computer desk, opened a drawer, and thumbed through some papers. She picked up a photograph. "Here." She offered it to him. "It's the most recent picture of Cassie and me. You asked for it a few days ago. Maybe you don't remember."
He kissed her cheek. "Thank you. I remembered but thought with everything that's happened you'd forgotten."
"I didn't forget." She put her arms around his neck.
He squeezed her. "What's really going on?"
"I just needed another hug."
"Are you sure that's all it is?"
After taking a deep breath, she swallowed. "I have a feeling something's wrong. I can't put my finger on it, but I couldn't stand it if you went missing too. Please be careful."
"Nothing's going to happen to me."
George stepped closer. "I can't paint the room by myself. Let's get busy."
She stepped back from Joe and chewed on her fingernail "Bye."
"I love you, Sara." He turned and left. The screen door shut behind him.
Sara watched until the car pulled away from the curb and disappeared out of sight.
*****
Sara stared at the wall she had just finished painting, then sighed as she answered the ringing telephone. "Dani, did Joe ask you to call me?"
"I spoke with him a few hours ago," Dani answered in a cautious voice. "He mentioned you had an especially hard morning and I offered to call."
"As you updated Joe on information you found on the computer, I'm supposed to believe he casually mentioned, oh by the way, Sara had a rough morning."
"Joe did call to get updated information. His voice sounded more intense than usual, so I asked what was bothering him. He declined to answer, but I know him too well. He finally admitted he was worried about you. He didn't ask me to call. I'm calling because I'm concerned about both of you." She paused before she continued, "I can be there in a few hours, if you need me."
"Why would you do that for me? You hardly know me."
"We've already been through this. Joe's like a big brother and he's in love with you and Cassie so you're family. It's that simple." When Sara didn't respond, Dani asked, "How's everything between you and Joe?"
"You get right to the point, don't you?" Sara laughed.
"Emily and Drew are napping. With an infant and a toddler in the house, I don't have a lot of time. They never sleep long enough."
"Once Cassie started walking, she gave up her naps."
"Tell me about you and Joe. The last time we talked you were worried Joe's feelings for you had changed."
"He told me he loved me this morning."
"I told you his feelings hadn't changed. Are you still concerned he could hurt you or Cassie?"
"Not as much. This morning he did something that showed me how important I am to him."
"You sound like that surprised you, why?"
"Other than my parents and Cassie, I've never been important to anybody." She paused. "It made me feel good."
"Joe's a special man. I'm happy for both of you."
"Dani ...." Sara hesitated, before she continued, "I have a feeling something big's going to happen or has already happened. Do you know anything?"
"I can't go into detail over the phone, but yes some situations have changed. Have you talked to George about it?"
"No. I figured he wouldn't tell me anything."
Dani laughed. "Before Matt and I were married the helicopter he was riding on crashed in Colombia. I bugged Joe and George so much they couldn't wait to tell me everything. I even hacked into Frank Steven's computer. He was the chief of Task Force 385 at the time. Darn, Emily's awake. George will tell you what he can. He's one of the good guys."
"Sure he won't mind?"
"I'm positive. If you need to talk, don't hesitate to call."
After Sara hung up, she walked into the bedroom and stood beside George. "Dani says something's big about to happen. What's going on?"
George put his paint roller in the tray, took Sara's hand and led her into the living room. "Have a seat." He sat on the couch beside her. "Dani found a warehouse address where the child pornography videos are shipped from. It's about fifteen miles southeast from here. We hope that's where they're holding Cassie. Matt sent extra men and we're doing around the clock surveillance."
"This is dangerous, isn't it?"
"It could be." He rubbed the back of his neck. "The situation changes often, so I don't know exactly what's going on this minute."
Sara glanced toward the bedroom. "You're left behind to babysit me, aren't you?"
"Babysit is a harsh term."
"You're helping me paint the house."
"Your way of handling the stress is to keep busy."
Not sure how to respond, she changed the subject. "Dani and Matt are very much in love, aren't they?"
"They are, but changing subjects won't help." He touched her arm. "I don't mind helping you paint. Joe and I are partners and my contribution to this mission is making sure you're safe. Since you're safe, Joe doesn't have to worry about you and can do the job he's hired to do."
She stood, walked into the bedroom, bent down, and lifted her paint roller. "Maybe I should get back to painting. Think Cassie would like her room painted?"
He laughed. "Let's finish this room before we discuss our next project." He glanced toward the door. "We still have the kitchen and hallway to paint."
*****
Sara sat on the swing in the backyard and stared at the stars. When she heard the kitchen door close, she turned and watched Joe walk toward her. "I didn't think you'd be back so early." She smiled. "I'm glad you are."
"We couldn't get a warrant. There's no change in the situation. So here I am. Why are you sitting out here?"
She rubbed her hand down the green metal pole of the swing set. "Grandma babysat Cassie after school and during the summers. She bought this swing set because Cassie preferred the great outdoors." She studied the edge of the yard and pointed. "Grandma fenced in the yard because Cassie loved to explore."
She stared at Joe. "Cassie hates to be inside. I have a vision of her in a small, dark, dirty room with a pencil size beam of sunlight peeking through. I know I've watched too many movies, but ...."
Joe glanced at his feet, then at Sara's face. "I don't know anything about Cassie's living conditions. There are too many scenarios to even make an educated guess."
"Do you think they're feeding her? She's not starving to death, is she?"
"I'd guess her basic needs are being met. They need her to look attractive."
"What you're not saying is they need her to look seductive, so they'll sell more videos."
Joe pushed the swing.
Sara allowed the swing to move back and forth a few times, before she asked, "Do you think Cassie's sexy?"
He took a deep breath. "I'm old enough to be Cassie's father. No, I don't think she's sexy, but I do think she's a cute kid."
"She's only fourteen." Sara stood. "How could a man find her stimulating?"
"I don't know. I've never understood the world of child pornography and I'm glad I don't." Joe stepped closer to Sara. "The youngest woman I've ever found attractive is nine years younger than me."
She pushed the empty swing, avoiding his eyes. "I'm thirty-two and that's nine years younger than you, could I be that women?" She grinned. "Am I too young?"
He put his arms around her and grinned. "Only if you continue to wish on stars."
She leaned her head against his shoulder, then stepped back and her eyes met his. "Will this ever be over?"
"I hope so." He drew her closer.
Sara put her arms around his neck and accepted the comfort his arms offered.
Joe stepped back and removed the cell phone from his pocket. "Damn, I'm sorry." After listening, he took a deep breath and put it away. His jaw clenched. "Our surveillance team says it's time to move. I don't know when I'll be back. I'll send George to stay with you."
"That won't be necessary. I'll be fine until morning. Please be careful."
He held her, then kissed her before he left.
| Author Notes |
Thank you KJ Photography for your artwork Vacancy. I think this artwork reflects how Sara felt as she thought about the swing set.
It took longer than expected to begin to feel better after my last chemo treatment, but I'm doing much better. I have my third round of chemo on Wednesday. Just when I start to feel good again, then I get another treatment. It won't last forever, or so they say. (LOL) I want to thank all my fans for your prayers and blessing. They do help and I do feel them. This post is about 300 words longer than I normally post. I hope you don't mind. I thought this was the best place to split the chapter. |
By barbara.wilkey
When Sara heard the front door slam, she jumped out of bed and stood in the hallway. Something is wrong. She watched Joe walk into the kitchen, and cringed as he slammed the cupboard door.
She heard his voice over the sound of running water. He must've called Matt.
"We wasted another day and we're no closer to finding Cassie than we were yesterday." There was silence, before she heard his voice again. "I know the parents of the five girls we rescued are glad to have their daughters back, but they aren't Cassie. They hadn't met or even knew of her, so they weren't any help."
Joe's last statement brought tears to her eyes as she continued to listen. "Is Dani working on the information the girls gave us about the virgin video?" There was a brief silence, before Joe spoke. "So what Dani found indicated the video hasn't been made?" Sara heard a fist hit the counter, then Joe's voice. "Are you telling me they're going to air a live rape?"
Sara struggled hearing Joe's voice so she stepped closer to the kitchen. "They're taking young girls, barely in their teens, drugging them, then allowing older men to have sex with them. In my book, that's rape. We need to find Cassie fast. Has Dani discovered a date set for this public virgin raping?"
During the next silence, Sara stepped into the kitchen sobbing. "Please, Joe, find Cassie!"
Joe shoved his phone inside his pocket, held Sara, then kissed her forehead. "I'm sorry I woke you. I should've been more careful. You didn't need to hear that conversation."
When her tears lessened, he led her to the bedroom. "Lie down and I'll hold you."
"I won't be able to sleep."
"I know. Maybe you can get some rest."
Sara cuddled into Joe's arms and chest while tears streamed down her cheeks.
*****
Sara had been asleep for a while, when Joe glanced at the alarm clock. It's already three o'clock. Five-thirty will be here shortly. His heart sank at the thought of Cassie being drugged and her virginity taken in front of a camera for all the perverts of the world to witness.
He got out of bed and watched Sara's restless sleep. I'm sure her dreams are nightmares about the torture Cassie may be enduring.
After he shut the bedroom door, he walked into the living room. He took his shirt off, wadded it up, and threw it into a chair. Grabbing his stomach, he tried stopping the pain he'd become accustomed to since Cassie's abduction.
It was his job to protect the women he loved and Cassie was Sara's daughter. He slammed his fist against the door, fearing everything Cassie could be going through was his fault.
"Joe?"
He turned. "I woke you again, didn't I?"
"I can only sleep a few minutes at a time." She walked to him, reached up, and touched his cheek. "It's not your fault Cassie's missing."
"If you mean I didn't have anything to do with the actual abduction, you're right. But I should've kept both of you safe."
"How could you have known Cassie was stalked on the Internet?"
"I was suspicious when she told me about the chat rooms. I should've followed my instincts and she'd be sleeping safely in her bed." He glanced toward the empty bedroom.
Sara put her arms around Joe. "I don't blame you for any of this. If I would've been a better mother, I would've known who my daughter was instant messaging."
"I guess there's enough guilt to go around." He kissed her forehead. "All we can do now is pray we find her before anything else happens."
Sara leaned against him and kissed him.
He gulped, not sure how to respond.
"I'm sorry." She paused. "You're always there for me. I thought maybe once I could be there for you."
He took her hands in his and stroked them with this thumb. "Never apologize for trying to make me feel better. Your kiss surprised me. That's all. I know you're working through some concerns about our relationship."
He answered his ringing cell phone, listened, and then sighed. "Something's come up. The men are on their way." He stared at the phone. "Why is it whenever we start discussing our relationship something interrupts us?"
"I don't know." She hesitated as she watched him take a shirt from his black duffle bag and put it on. "Mom says good things never come easy."
"Let's hope your mom's right," he interrupted, buttoning his shirt. "I'm sorry I let you see how worried I am about Cassie. I should be comforting you; not the other way around." He turned toward her.
She put her hand on his arm. "I don't blame you for anything and I wish you'd stop blaming yourself."
He studied her hand and then sighed. "I want to bring Cassie back unhurt. Unhurt isn't the right word. I want to return her unblemished. Exactly like she was when she walked out that door Saturday afternoon." He pointed toward the front door. "I love you very much and I keep thinking if I get Cassie back our relationship will survive."
He heard a car on the street and walked toward the door. "I know that's selfish, but I don't want to lose you. Joe watched her glance at the floor. "When I told you I loved you, you couldn't even look at me."
"Joe ...." She hesitated, before continuing, "I ...."
As he watched tears roll down her cheeks, he swallowed. "If I didn't know you better, I'd swear you were using your tears to avoid telling me we're finished."
He wiped a tear from her cheek. "You know your tears melt my heart." As a car parked in front of the house, he took her hand and rubbed her little finger. "I need to leave. When Cassie's home safely ...."
George jogged to the house. "Joe, you need to hurry. Everybody's in place. They're waiting for your instructions."
Joe stared at Sara. "There'll be time for you to examine your heart and see if there are any remnants of love for me." He turned and walked toward the car.
Sara watched him exit the house and walk to the waiting car before she said under her breath. "Joe, I do love you."
| Author Notes |
StevnDutton, thank you for the artwork, Stitched. I think it shows perfectly how hearbroken Sara is about Cassie missing and about her relationship with Joe.
I want to thank my fans for taking time to read my post and I trust all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I survived round three of chemo, I think. |
By barbara.wilkey
CHAPTER TWELVE
Early Thursday Morning
6:15 A.M.
The only good thing is the local police agreed to stay out of the way. Joe grabbed the microphone from the car's dashboard and adjusted the setting so he would be heard inside the house. "This is Agent Barnes of Task Force 385. The house is surrounded. I'll guarantee your safety, if you release the girls unharmed."
While Joe waited for a response, he paced the length of the car.
Finally, he heard a heavily foreign accented male voice. "As long as we have the girls, you won't attack the house."
Joe covered his eyes, protecting them from the sun that peaked over the horizon. He glanced in the direction that voice came from and saw the dark shadow of a female figure shielding a larger male figure.
"I want a helicopter that'll hold eleven people. You have thirty minutes to get it here or I'll shoot one of the girls." As he shoved the girl into the open window, she cried out.
"Damn." Joe's fist hit the trunk of the car, before he dialed Matt's number.
"A helicopter can be there in twenty-five minutes." Joe recognized indignation in Matt's voice as he continued, "I should be there in seven minutes. Don't do anything stupid."
Joe noticed George's number on his ringing phone. "Matt called you and told you keep me busy until he arrived, didn't he?"
"Not in so many words. He knows how much you have invested in this mission," answered George. "Talk to me about the situation."
*****
Sara heard George's voice and opened her bedroom door. As she walked toward him, she overheard him say, "Joe, don't. You're a government agent. There's no way you'll get out alive. There's a better way to get Cassie out."
She grabbed the phone. "Joe, don't. I love you!"
"Don't worry. I'll be fine. It's the quickest and safest way to get Cassie home." Joe hung up.
Sara turned toward George. "What's he going to do?"
George rubbed the back of his neck. "Try to exchange his life for Cassie's."
"Take me there." She grabbed his hand and yanked. "I need to be there. I can talk him out of it, I know I can."
"No. Joe's in enough danger. He needs to concentrate on getting himself and Cassie out safely. He doesn't need to worry about you too."
He freed his hand and glanced at his watch. "Matt should be there in a few minutes. He'll keep the situation under control." George scanned the living room. "We need to paint the kitchen and hallway." He picked up the can of tan paint and began shaking it.
"Why is Joe taking such a risk?"
"He loves you and believes he needs to return Cassie so you'll return his love." George pried the lid off. "He feels responsible for Cassie's abduction."
"There's no way he could have prevented it."
"I know, and you know, but Joe doesn't believe it." He poured paint into a paint tray and studied the kitchen wall. "This room shouldn't take too long. Do you want to begin on this wall or the one by the counter?"
"I want to be where Joe and Cassie are."
*****
Joe adjusted the microphone. "The helicopter will arrive in twenty-five minutes. You release the hostages."
"I told you there would be eleven passengers. I'll think about letting the girls go when we reach our destination."
"Why don't we exchange ...."
Matt rushed up behind Joe and grabbed the microphone. "That's one of the stupidest ideas you've ever had."
"If the girls get on the helicopter, we'll never see them again."
"I know that. Mike and Bob are right behind me."
"They're using the girls as shields. Mike and Bob are the best snipers in the business, but they'll never get a clear shot."
"The special reaction team," he glanced at his watch, "will be here in about ten minutes. We may be forced to storm the house."
"I won't allow it." Joe clenched his jaw.
"Have a better idea? Besides you exchanging your life for the girls?"
Joe scanned the house. "What if we cause a diversion? When they're trying to figure out what's going on, you, Jim, Derek and I'll sneak in through those unused windows." He nodded toward two windows on the southwest corner of the house. "Once inside the house, we'll take them one at a time."
Matt shook his head. "Nothing ever works that easy, but we'll give it a try." He scratched his head. "What do you have in mind for the diversion?"
Joe rubbed his forehead with his hand. "How much fire power is the reaction team bringing with them?"
"Enough, why?"
"Let's drop them in the front yard and make sure they're seen. As the kidnappers concentrate on them, we'll sneak through those side windows."
Matt nodded. "You think there are eight men holding three girls hostage, right?" After Joe nodded, Matt said, "That just might work." He took his cell phone from his BDU pocket and ordered the reaction team to make an impressive entrance.
*****
Just before thirty-five fully armed members of the task force's special reaction team rappelled from four Blackhawk helicopters, Joe, Matt, Jim, and Derek crept to the southwest corner of the house.
As the first three men dropped simultaneously from the sky with automatic weapons, Joe opened the left window and Matt opened the right. Matt sat on the windowsill. "Joe, you didn't say anything about dogs."
Joe gulped. "I didn't know there were dogs."
"I'm guessing two mastiffs baring teeth and snarling would qualify as dogs," snapped Matt. "Thank heavens helicopters are loud or our entrance was just announced."
After hearing the conversation through the communication system attached to each man, Eric Hoff, a junior member, said, "Be patient, I have a tranquilizer gun." He hurried toward the windows.
Eric handed the gun to Joe and said, "I only have three darts, so aim carefully."
Matt grabbed the gun from Joe. "You're too nervous. Let me do it." After both dogs went down, Matt said to Eric, "I want some more men at these windows. My plan's to keep everybody alive. As we capture them, hopefully one at a time, one of us will bring them to you. We'll interrogate them later. I want this pornography ring shut down."
He glanced toward Joe and the other two men. "Let's do it."
The four men entered through the windows. Joe and Matt scanned the vacant bedroom. They each took a deep breath before Joe opened a door.
Surprised the hallway was vacant, Matt and Jim went to the left while Joe and Derek followed the right hallway.
Matt and Jim crept along side the wall, as two men stared out the kitchen window discussing the air assault display. Jim came up behind the shorter man, forcing a gun to his back.
When the shorter man felt the gun, he grunted. This alerted the taller man and he pointed his weapon toward Matt. Matt kicked the gun away. They briefly wrestled. Matt's quickness and training overpowered the man. Matt and Jim passed the two men through the vacant windows to the waiting team members.
Joe and Derek entered the living room and noticed two men staring out the picture window. The man on the right heard a creaking noise, turned, and fired his weapon. Derek fell to the wood floor.
The second man fired and missed Joe. As Joe shot his weapon, a third man entered the room from a door on the left. The second man fell, as the third man wrestled Joe to the floor.
Derek fired his gun at the man who had wounded him.
Matt and Jim arrived at the living room, as two men dragged Joe into the adjacent bedroom. Matt assessed Derek's wound. "It's not life threatening. I'll notify the men outside to get you." The two men on the floor were dead.
Matt and Jim faced the door Joe had disappeared behind. Matt took a deep breath, then yelled, "There's enough fire power surrounding this house to level it to the ground. Let the agent and the girls go."
| Author Notes | Thank you, again, for your prayers and blessing. Many of you are asking specific questions about chemo. I'm working on a short essay hoping to answer many of those questions. I have my next chemo treatment on Thursday. Many of you are curious about how I am able to continue posting. This novel is complete and all I do is edit before posting. I've noticed I make many more mistakes in my editing. Thank you for catching them for me. I also have angels who promote my work. I'm unable to review enough right now to promote it myself. These people prefer to remain anonymous. I do want to remind new readers that this is a romance, first and the kidnapping of Cassie is not the main story line. It is also well into the story and I have taken time in the earlier chapters defining my characters. There is less than 100 pages to go in this novel. |
By barbara.wilkey
Joe lay dazed on the bedroom floor with his arms tied behind him. His vision blurred as he glanced around the room. He noticed a young girl gagged and tied to a chair. Her eyes are bloodshot from crying. What have these men put her through? He blinked. Is that Cassie? She'd never show that much breast or ass. He shook his head to clear it. It is her. Is she all right? Joe scanned her body. She's trembling. There are a few scrapes and bruises, but nothing serious, at least on the outside. Who knows how long it'll take her to recover emotionally.
Joe gulped. Two girls close to Cassie's age sat beside her, gagged, and bound to chairs. The taller one has dried blood on her gag. She's probably bitten her lips to keep from showing emotion. The other one is afraid of me. The fear in their eyes will haunt me the rest of my life. I promise these men will suffer for what they've done.
The three girls were dressed alike, a tiny blue blouse held together by a single knot under the breasts and white shorts that sat well below their navels exposing too much rear end.
Two men yanked Joe off the floor and threw him onto a king size waterbed covered with a white sheet. Joe surveyed the area. Four men surrounded him.
Joe turned his head toward the window when he heard Matt yell, "There's enough fire power surrounding this house to level it to the ground. Let the agent and the girls go."
"Matt, no!" Joe shouted. "There are three innocent girls in here."
"You aren't as stupid as you look." A heavyset man hovered over him.
He appears to be the leader. His accent is Eastern European. Joe sat up. "You're surrounded. There's no way you'll get out alive. Let the girls go and surrender before somebody gets hurt."
"I've three girls and now a government agent. I think things are going my way." He glanced toward the numerous video cameras surrounding the bed. "I wonder what kind of price I'd get for a government agent performing on camera." He laughed.
"You might as well kill me now, because that'll never happen."
The man chuckled. "There are four of us and one of you. Your death could be arranged."
"Your accent tells me you're from the Balkans. I'd guess Bosnia."
"My mother country is the Czech Republic."
"Of course, child prostitution's practically legal there." Joe spat on the floor.
"I wouldn't make judgments. In your country, even with your many laws, child pornography's a very lucrative business." He walked over to Cassie and brushed his finger across her cheek. "Isn't she a pretty little thing?"
Joe struggled to loosen his hands.
When one of the men staring out the window called the leader to the window, Joe mouthed to Cassie. "Are you all right?"
She nodded. "I knew you'd come after me. You promised to protect me."
When she spoke those words, Joe's heart broke, but he replied, "You're right, I did."
The man turned from the window and faced Joe. "Our helicopter has landed, but in the front, not in the back as I requested." Again, he looked out the window, then walked to Joe grabbing the front of his shirt. "This is probably better anyway. Call off the snipers and tell everyone to get behind the frontage road."
When Joe glared at him, he grabbed the taller of the girls and threw her beside Joe. With a knife against her throat, he yelled, "If I don't hear you order the men to back away, I'll kill her. Her blood will be on your hands."
"Let me stand in front of the window, so they're positive it's me talking." Joe stood, walked toward the window, and yelled, "Matt, I'm giving instructions at the front door."
Joe turned toward the man. "Matt and I've been partners for over twenty years. He won't listen unless he can see me. You'd better take me to the front door."
Matt called out, "Joe, I'm watching the front door, but I can't see you."
Joe glanced toward the window, then at the man. "I told you. He won't listen unless he can see me."
The man shoved Joe to the front door. He hesitated before he opened it.
Joe's muscular frame filled the doorway. "Call the snipers off and get behind the frontage ...." Joe jumped and fell to the left, as a sniper shot the man standing behind him. He gulped. Now, there are three. A little more in my favor.
*****
As Sara and George finished painting the kitchen walls, she glanced around the room. "Would you call somebody? I need to know if there's good news."
"All right, but you have to agree to keep painting." After she nodded, he walked into the living room and dialed Matt's number.
After he put the phone back in his jeans pocket, George turned, and there stood Sara. "You agreed to paint."
"And you went into the living room so I couldn't hear the conversation."
"I did. If things aren't going well, I didn't want you worried."
Sara studied his eyes and sighed. "Things aren't going well, are they?" She took his hand in hers. "Please don't lie to me. I deal better with the truth."
George rubbed the back of his neck. "Matt, Joe, and two other men entered the house. While inside Joe was captured. Matt's almost positive one of the three girls inside is Cassie. All three are alive and unhurt."
"Is Joe hurt?" She held her breath.
"Matt doesn't think he's injured."
"But he's not sure, is he? Please take me to him."
"I'll make a deal with you. If Joe and Cassie aren't released by the time we've finished painting and cleaning-up, I'll take you there. Deal?"
Sara glanced around the room, then at George. "OK, it's a deal, but we'd better hurry. My patience has come to an end."
George studied a picture he'd removed from the hallway wall. "Cassie and you look so much alike. Does the resemblance continue or does it stop at the looks?"
"If you ask Joe, he thinks we act alike. He said something about us having him wrapped around our little finger." She laughed and took the photo from George. "I don't think we look alike. Cassie's a very pretty girl."
"Her mother's a very pretty woman."
As Sara laid the picture on the dining room table, their eyes met. "If we don't get started, we won't get finished. I have someplace I need to be."
*****
George sighed. He knew the last place Sara needed to be is where Joe and Cassie were. He wondered how he could stop her.
| Author Notes |
Thank you channeled for allowing me the use of 'creation of fear.' I am sure these young girls are scared and I feel this artwork gives us an indication of how these girls may look. There are approximately 85 pages left to this novel. Thank you for following it. I appreciate each and every one of you.
I finished phase one of chemo therapy this past Thursday and will begin phase two on the 23rd. I'm writing a short essay that I hope will answer many of your questions. |
By barbara.wilkey
"The helicopter pilot's getting restless. Ready to board? How many passengers are there?"
After Joe heard Matt's voice, he turned toward the window. "Tell the pilot to leave. The leader's dead and the three left can't make a decision."
The shorter one slugged Joe's right jaw. "I'm in charge. My first order's to kill you." He grabbed the knife from behind his belt, sliced Joe's left arm, then held it against Joe's throat.
The heavyset guy grabbed his arm. "You can't kill him. He's our ticket out of here." He yanked the knife from his partner's hand. "We need him alive for insurance."
Matt's voice bellowed through the window. "What should I tell the pilot?"
The shortest man yelled, "We're on our way."
"How many passengers?"
"Seven."
The helicopter's engines roared. Matt yelled, "We're ready for take-off."
"Call off the snipers and back everybody to the frontage road," the short man hollered.
"It's just the pilot and me. Count to twenty-five and I'll be gone."
The tallest man watched from the window and saw Matt walk away. "He's gone. We're ready."
With his hands tied behind his back and blood dripping from his arm, Joe stepped onto the front porch. Cassie followed with her hands bound. The shortest man followed.
Joe noticed a light flash from a tree branch. He slowed, made sure he was within reach of Cassie, and glanced back. When he saw the man clear the porch, he pushed his body into Cassie, knocking her behind a bush and protected her body with his. At the same moment, a bullet whizzed past him and hit that man.
The other two men slammed the front door shut. They returned gunfire through the front windows.
Joe wiggled his hands until he loosened the rope around them. Once freed, he untied Cassie's. He shoved her body against the house, before unbuttoning his shirt. "Put this on."
Tears streamed down her cheeks. Once the shirt was buttoned, she whispered, "Are we going to live through this?"
"Of course." He noticed Matt huddled behind the tail fin of the helicopter. "Cassie, I need you to slide alongside the house." He pointed to the right. "Never step away from the house."
She grabbed his hand. "What about you?"
"I'm going to be by your side every step of the way." He nodded toward the right. "Start walking."
At the corner of the house, Joe made eye contact with Matt. He noticed Matt say something into the communication system. Within seconds, eight men formed a line, covering them with guns blazing. Cassie and Joe sneaked behind them.
Matt handed Joe a weapon. "You'll need this."
Joe accepted it and checked the clip. "Any idea on how we get Cassie out of here?"
Before Matt could answer, Eric ran to them. "I ordered another helicopter. It'll land down the frontage road about a quarter mile to your left." He glanced at the one in front of them. "It couldn't be a safe take-off."
With the sound of another helicopter behind them, Matt stared at Joe. "Get Cassie to safety. The hospital's expecting both of you. I'll stay here and rescue the other two girls."
Joe and Cassie jogged to the helicopter. Once seated, Cassie's tears flowed. Joe held her until they landed.
*****
George put his cell phone away. "Matt said Cassie's on her way to the hospital."
Sara ran toward the front door, paused, and glanced at George. "Is she hurt? Why is she going to the hospital?"
"She's not hurt. She's just getting checked-out."
"Hurry!"
*****
The hospital information desk clerk directed George and Sara to the area where Cassie was being examined. Sara opened the door and walked in as the doctor finished. "Cassie?"
"Mom."
The doctor glanced at her. "She's a lucky young lady; only a few scratches and bruises, nothing serious. I want her to spend the night for observation."
Sara rushed to Cassie and hugged her.
Joe opened the curtain between them. "Cassie, are you finished with my shirt?"
Sara noticed his bruised jaw and the stitches in both arms. "Why does Cassie have your shirt and are you all right?"
"I'm fine." He pulled his left arm behind his back.
"When Mr. Joe rescued me, I didn't have very many clothes on so he loaned me his shirt." Cassie pointed to a chair. "Mom, you should've been there. He's not afraid of anything. When the kidnappers tried to be tough, Mr. Joe fought back. He didn't back down."
Joe removed his shirt from the chair. "Your mom isn't interested in the details. She just wanted you home."
Sara wiped tears from her cheeks with the back of her hand, looked at Joe, then at Cassie. She gulped before she asked, "What was she wearing?"
"Don't go there. Just be happy she's home and unharmed." He buttoned the shirt.
"Mom, Mr. Joe made sure nobody else saw me. As soon as we escaped, he gave me his shirt."
"Escaped?" Sara brushed her hair back from her cheek.
"Yeah, we were getting ready to get on a helicopter when the gunfire ...."
"Your mom isn't interested in details," interrupted Joe.
"But, you were brave and it was great how you protected me and killed the bad guys." She paused, before she asked, "Can girls be secret agents?"
Joe glanced at Sara. "Yes, they can."
"No! They can't. Girls need nice safe jobs, like teachers and nurses," Sara interjected.
Joe glanced toward the door, hiding his grin. "I'm sure the excitement will wear off in a few days. You did raise her to have a mind of her own. She's just like her mom."
His eyes met hers, as he changed the subject. "I need to get back. There are two girls who need rescuing."
Sara walked up to him and placed her hand on his arm. "Joe, please ...."
"We'll talk when I get back." He stepped toward the door, but turned back and kissed her cheek. He grinned at Cassie. "Now, I've officially kissed your mom."
Sara touched her cheek and watched him leave the room. She took a deep breath, walked back to Cassie, and held her close.
| Author Notes |
There are only about 70 pages left in this novel. If you have not read the previous chapters you will be confused about the characters and their relationships.
Thank you connied for allowing me to use Rainbow. I feel a rainbow deplicts hope after a storm. I'm tardy in posted because the doctor gave me a choice, complete bed rest or he was going to put me in the hospital for a few days. It seems I was was exhausted with a touch of a virsus. I was ordered to take this rest issue seriously. I promise to rest more. The thought of spending Christmas in the hospital scared me. Again, I want to thank my fans for sticking by me and I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a very wonderful New Year. God Bless. |
By barbara.wilkey
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Friday Morning
Joe peeked into Cassie's hospital room before the morning light entered the sky. He grinned as he watched Sara asleep in a chair she'd pulled beside the bed. Her head rested against Cassie's arm as she held her daughter's hand. He walked to her, brushed a blonde highlight of hair from her cheek, then kissed her. I love you, Sara. I'd better let you sleep. We can talk after I finish my paperwork.
******
When Sara woke up that morning, she glanced around the room and saw George sitting in a chair by the door. "Is Joe all right?"
"Good morning to you, too." He grinned. "Nothing's happened to Joe. He had some things he needed to take care of and wanted to make sure his two favorite ladies made it home safely. He'll come by the house later this afternoon."
Sara took a deep breath. "So you're detailed to babysit, again."
"I've told you babysit is a harsh term." He sipped a cup of coffee. "The doctor said Cassie should be released after breakfast." He held out the Styrofoam cup. "Would you like some? I don't mind getting you a cup."
"No, I'm fine. I can't wait for Cassie to see the paint job. Think you can stay through the weekend and help me paint her room?"
"We'll see. Matt should be here by the time she's released, we'll ask," he teased.
Cassie woke up startled and grabbed her mom's arm. "Who's that man and who's Matt?" As tears welled in her eyes, she searched the room. "Where's Mr. Joe?"
Sara stroked her hand. "Cassie, I'd like you to meet George Wright. He works with Joe and stayed with me while Joe searched for you. Matt's their boss."
"What about Mr. Joe?" Cassie tried to look around George. "Is he all right? Why isn't he here? Did he rescue the other girls? Are they all right?"
"The girls are two doors down from you." He pointed to his left. "Their parents are on their way. Joe has a few things he needed to do. He told me to escort you and your mom home."
"Are you going to stay until Joe returns?" asked Sara.
"Probably, but I'm not sure. That's up to Matt."
"Cassie's safe. I don't think it's necessary you baby ... stay. Cassie and I will be all right."
As Matt and Dani walked through the door, Matt said, "I'll decide how long George is needed."
Dani walked over to Cassie and hugged her. "Boy, am I glad to meet you. You had us scared to death, young lady."
Sara smiled at Dani. "Cassie, I'd like you to meet Dani Patterson. She's a computer hacker who discovered where you were kept. Without her help you could still be ...." She hesitated. Cassie's home and safe. I won't think about what could have happened.
Cassie returned Dani's hug. "I'm sorry I was so much trouble. I promise never to meet a boy on-line again."
Dani smiled. "I hear you're going home this morning?"
"Ms. Dani, do you work for the same government agency Mr. Joe works for?"
"Yes, I work for Task Force 385, why?"
Cassie stared at her mom. "See, women can be secret agents."
Sara changed the subject. "Cassie, I'd like you to meet Matt Patterson. He's Joe's boss and the chief of the Task Force." Matt walked over Cassie's bed, and Sara added, "He's also Dani's husband."
As Matt gave Cassie a hug, she asked, "You allow your wife to be a secret agent, so you must hire women. Are there many women agents?
Sara smiled as the doctor walked in the door. "Good morning. Can she go home?" Perfect timing. There's no way I'll agree to Cassie becoming an agent. It's too dangerous.
*****
Joe parked his yellow Porsche outside Sara's house and noticed George and Cassie playing catch in the front yard. "Hi Cassie, I'm glad you're out of the hospital. How's your pitching arm?"
She ran over and hugged him. "Watch this." She threw the softball to George.
"It doesn't look like this incident harmed your softball career at all. Have you tried batting, yet?"
"No. Mom won't let me bat outside the ball field. She's worried I might break a window. I'm sure I can find another glove if you want to play."
He glanced toward the front door. "I'd love to, but I need to speak with your mom. Is she inside?" He noticed the frown on Cassie's face, stared at his little finger as he wiggled it and took the ball glove from George. "I'll play catch for a few minutes."
"Great!" She threw the softball to Joe.
He threw it back. "Pitch to me." He crouched down into a catcher's stance and motioned for George to stand behind him. "Why don't you call balls and strikes?"
Joe glanced at his watch and noticed thirty minutes had flown by. "I really need to talk with your mom." Joe stood. "I'll talk with you later." He walked in the front door, searched beside the couch, and noticed his duffle bag had been moved. "Sara, I had a black bag next to the couch. Did you move it?"
She walked into the living room, her arms full of folded laundry. "Hello, to you too. I moved it to the table so I could put your clean laundry in it without anything getting wrinkled." She set the laundry down. "I didn't think you'd mind me washing your dirty clothes." She handed him the duffle bag.
Joe yanked it from her and walked into the living room. After setting it on an end table, he searched through it.
Sara followed. "I'm sorry. I didn't go through your things. I just took out the dirty clothes."
When Joe felt the small box, he sighed.
"I told you I didn't search through it." She turned and walked away.
"I never accused you of going through it. Thank you for doing my laundry, but you didn't need to. I would've eventually gotten to it."
"Your words never accused me of anything, but your actions did."
Joe walked to her and attempted to take her hands in his. "I'm sorry for the way my actions may have appeared, but they meant nothing." He turned her face toward his and looked into her eyes. "Now that Cassie's safely home we can work on our relationship."
"Joe, at one time I thought we had a relationship, but I don't know anymore. You're not the same man I fell in love with. I knew you graduated from West Point and were a government agent, but I wasn't prepared for the violence that surrounds your life."
She glanced at the bag. "You just came into my house without saying hello and accused me of searching through your things. You don't trust me. Now I wonder what was in there you didn't want me to find. Is it dangerous to Cassie or me?"
"There was nothing that would've harmed either of you." He offered it to her. "Here, search through it yourself."
"I don't want to, but I'd like to know why you don't trust me. I've never given you a reason."
Frustrated, Joe picked up the bag. "Here look." He dumped the contents on the coffee table. "There's nothing in it." He sat on the davenport. "This has gone way too far." He patted the cushion beside him. "We need to talk. I overreacted and I'm sorry. Sara, I love you. I want a future with you."
"I thought we might have a future together. Now, I'm not sure. You're not the same sensitive, loving, tolerant, caring man I fell in love with. I could talk to you about anything and you'd listen. When I needed support, I could lean on your shoulders."
She chewed her lower lip. "Now you're petrified I might have looked through your duffle bag. You almost killed a man in my living room."
"I wouldn't have killed Roy Moore, but I did want to scare him. You spent the last fourteen years being chastised by that man and this town. All he had to do was act like a man and admit he was Cassie's father."
"That was my problem, not yours."
"True, but I love you and want to protect you and your daughter." He got up and walked to her. "Sara, I am the same man you fell in love with. I'm not the monster you're afraid I've turned into. The only difference is I'm dead tired. I'm going to my parents and get some sleep. I'll be back tomorrow and you'll see nothing's changed."
Tears streamed down her cheeks. "I think it'd be easier if we just said goodbye. I don't think sleep will change anything. You'll still be the same dangerous man you are now."
Joe glanced at the front door. "I'm coming by around noon tomorrow." He left.
Sara watched him shut the door, then saw the duffle bag on the table. She grabbed the clothes, shoved them inside, and ran to the door. "You forgot your bag. I don't want to be accused of anything."
Joe stood with the car door open. "I'll get it when I return." He drove away.
| Author Notes |
Thank you,Angelheart for the perfect artwork, Love on the Rocks. Joe and Sara's relationship is on the rocks.
Again, I appreciate all who read. I struggled with the flow of this post. I hope after all the editing I did, I finally got it right. |
By barbara.wilkey
BACKGROUND:
Joe and Sara have an argument. Joe leaves to get some rest and George comes inside to talk with Sara.
__________________________________________________________________________
"I need a drink of water." George followed Sara inside the house. "Cassie's a good ball player." He reached in the cabinet for a glass. "You and Joe have an argument?"
"Not really."
"Do you need to talk?" He filled the glass with water.
"There's nothing anybody can do." She opened the refrigerator and took out the pitcher of tea. "Joe's changed. He's not the same man I fell in love with." She poured herself a glass. "Would you like some iced tea?"
"Water's fine." He took a drink. "I've known Joe for over twenty years. I'm pretty sure he hasn't changed." He removed the baseball cap and ran his fingers through his short hair. "I don't know what he's done, but I'm sure he did it because he loves you. I don't think that's a serious crime, do you?"
George glanced out the screen door toward Cassie. "I'm taking Cassie to your parents'. I'll stay with her, so you won't need to worry. You need to spend the day thinking about your relationship with Joe. I heard him say he'd be back tomorrow."
"He said he needed some sleep."
"He hasn't slept since ...." He took a drink then studied the calendar on his watch. "Since Thursday night. Your reunion dance was last Friday, right? That was eight days ago."
"You're right. We were out late after the dance and then he came to Cassie's softball game early the next morning. After that, well, you know the rest."
"I'm sure anything that happened today has to do with lack of sleep. I'll be back to take you and Cassie to dinner. All you need to do is to think about where you want your relationship to go." He kissed her cheek.
*****
Sara shielded her eyes as she watched Dani walk up the sidewalk. "I thought you flew home."
"I was seated on the plane, when I realized I had one more thing to do." She sat on the porch swing. "Sit beside me." She tapped the seat next to her.
Sara glanced toward the rental car. "Where's Matt?" I never thought I'd see Dani without Matt.
"He's waiting at the airport, rather frustrated with me right now, but waiting." She laughed. "At least I hope he's waiting. I may need to find my own way home."
Sara played with a strand of hair. "Did Joe call you?"
"I haven't spoken with him since last night, why?" Dani studied Sara's bloodshot eyes. "You've been crying. Did you and Joe have an argument?"
"I washed his dirty clothes and he accused me of searching through his duffle bag. He doesn't trust me."
"You're being ridiculous." Dani reached over and touched Sara's hand. "I'm sure he trusts you."
"Then why was he so upset I did his laundry?"
"I'm not sure, but I'm sure he had a reason."
"He said he was really tired and overreacted."
"He hasn't had much sleep, for what seven or eight nights? It's possible he overreacted."
"What was the one more thing you had to do before you could fly home?" Sara swallowed.
"I needed to make sure you understood how much Joe loves you. You two belong together." Dani looked around. "Where's Cassie?"
"After Joe and I argued, George thought it'd be best to take her to my parents'."
"He's probably right. Did Cassie or Joe tell you about his confrontation with Marc Haines after the softball game?"
"No, what happened?"
"I guess Marc flirted a little too much with Cassie, at least in Joe's opinion. Anyway, he didn't like it and informed the boy Cassie was off limits."
"I wonder why no one said anything."
"I guess because they thought it was taken care of." Dani thought a few seconds. "Cassie told you how Joe protected her during the rescue, didn't she? His only concern was her safety and well-being. He was willing to risk his life in exchange for hers."
"She told me how he gave her his shirt so no one would see her dressed like a slut."
"He protected and respected her innocence." Dani inhaled a deep breath. "I brought these incidences up because I didn't want you to doubt his devotion to Cassie. I'm sure you can think of examples yourself. He'd make Cassie a great step-father."
"There's a lot of wishful thinking in that statement. Joe and I have never talked about marriage. We haven't even known each other two full weeks. Besides, even if we were getting along, which we aren't, we live over five hundred miles from each other." She stood. "Joe would want to have his own children, not a readymade family."
"We just discussed how good Joe is with Cassie." Dani reached for Sara's hand and motioned for her to sit. "Why are you afraid to admit how much you love Joe?"
Sara stared at the street.
"You're concentrating on the dangers of his job and the distance you live apart." Dani paused. "You comment on his action when he discovered who the man was that raped you like it was his standard behavior . Why are you using these excuses to deny your love for him?"
Dani covered her mouth with her hand and her eyes widened. "You're afraid to let yourself fall in love. You're afraid of getting hurt."
Tears streamed down Sara's cheek.
Dani gulped. "When I first met Matt, I was afraid to let myself fall in love. As I look back, I see how foolish I was. I couldn't ask for a better life." She took a deep breath. "I hate the violence and secrecy, but I trust Matt and know he won't let anything happen to me or our children."
Her eyes met Sara's. "I can't guarantee your heart won't get broken. Nobody can predict the future. I know Joe very well and he's a great man. I've repeatedly trusted him with my life and the lives of my children and would do it again."
Dani wiped a tear rolling down Sara's face. "I know he loves you and I feel your heart is safe with him. Please take a chance on love. Don't deny yourself the opportunity to know love."
Sara and Dani were silent as they watched a taxi park at the curb, Matt stepped out, and the taxi left.
As he walked up the sidewalk, he studied both women and turned toward the street. "Maybe I should leave. I'll come back later."
Dani wiped her tears. "Matt, wait." She stood. "I'm ready. Sara, follow your heart. It won't lead you astray. Joe's a wonderful man and I know he'll treat you with the love and respect you deserve."
After giving Sara a hug, she took Matt's hand. "Let's go. Sara needs time alone." Matt opened the rental car door for Dani. Before she sat in the car, she turned toward the house. "Sara, you have a hard decision to make. My prayers are with you."
| Author Notes |
Thank you connied for the lovely rainbow. Rainbows to me are a symbol of hope. I think Sara is forced to take a look at herself and decide what is important in her life.
Thank you for reading. |
By barbara.wilkey
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Late Saturday Morning
Sara watched her daughter rush out the front door and greet Joe. Her eyes widened as Cassie hugged him. She watched them talk. I'm glad they get along so well. I wonder what they're talking about. She scratched her head. It looks like they share a secret and are working together on something.
Cassie turned toward the front door. "Mom, Mr. George is taking me to Grandma's for the day. See you tonight. I hope you and Mr. Joe have a good time." As she stepped from the porch, she blew Sara a kiss. Before she took another step, Cassie opened the screen door, hugged, and kissed her mom. "I love you, Mom. I'm glad to be home." Her next hug lingered, before she turned and walked toward the car George stood beside. Just before she sat in the passenger seat, she waved to Sara.
"What were you and Cassie talking about?" Sara held the screen door open and Joe stepped inside the house.
He grinned. "Nothing really, she thanked me again for rescuing her." He glanced toward the front yard. "I'm always amazed by how much energy that child has. It seems she came through her ordeal with minimal damage." He scanned the living room. "I like the living room's walls one color." He chuckled. "You and George did a good job. Would you like to go to the city lake and have a picnic?"
Sara chewed on her lower lip. "I'd like that."
As they stood beside Joe's yellow Porsche, Sara glanced toward the house. "It could get chilly. I'd better get a jacket. I'll be right back." She jogged up the sidewalk.
Joe waited beside his car. When she returned with a jacket and his duffle bag, he smiled. "Did the compulsive cleaner in you refold my clothes?"
"I didn't touch anything in it."
He opened the trunk and took the bag from her. "The clothes didn't call your name saying, 'Sara, fold me, please'?"
Her cheeks turned a healthy pink. "I put the bag in the hallway closet so I wouldn't be tempted." When Joe laughed, her cheeks turned red.
"I'm amazed at your will power," he teased as he opened the passenger side door. "I know it must've been hard for you to refrain from refolding everything."
She folded her arms across her chest as she sat in the tan leather seat. "You've made your point. I'll admit I like things clean and orderly."
After Joe shut the car door, Sara watched him through the windshield. Right now he's acting like the same man I fell in love with. I wonder how long it'll last.
Joe sat behind the steering wheel. "I'm sorry about yesterday. I was worn out and shouldn't have come by. I should've gone straight to my parents'."
"I'm equally at fault." She inhaled a deep breath. "I was looking for reasons to find fault."
He grinned. "I've already admitted I make mistakes. You didn't have to look too hard, did you?" He put the key in the ignition.
Sara placed her hand over his. "Wait." She held her breath before she continued, "You're acting like the same Joe Barnes I fell in love with. Is this the real Joe, or ...."
"There's only one of me," he interrupted. "While searching for Cassie, the professional side came through." He paused for a moment. "Actually it was more than just professionalism. I was angry because Cassie got abducted and scared something awful would happen to her. I was afraid I'd let you and Cassie down."
"You were still caring and compassionate with me, and from what she said you were gentle with her."
"You bring the best out in me. I'm a better person when I'm around you." He rubbed her cheek with his thumb. "You're one of the smartest and strongest women I know. For some reason I always want to put my arms around you and protect you from the hurt in the world. Why the tears?"
"These aren't sad tears, they're happy tears." She wiped the moisture from her cheek. "Thank you for caring about my daughter."
"She's part of you, so I naturally want to protect her just as much as I do you."
"But she's also 50% of her father."
"Cassie's as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside, just like her mother. When I look at her face, all I see is a younger version of you. I'm sure there's something of her father there, but I don't see it and doubt I ever will."
He started the engine. "When she goes to her senior prom, I'm going to chaperone. No man wanna-be will take advantage of her. Ready for our picnic?"
With her hand covering her mouth, Sara giggled. "Locking her in a closet isn't the answer."
"Wanna bet?" teased Joe as he drove down the road. He glanced toward Sara and grinned. "Maybe we could send her to a convent."
"Why don't we just allow her to be a normal teenager? I'm hoping she's smart enough not to make the same mistakes I did."
"She's definitely one smart kid." As Joe pulled into the city lake parking lot, he glanced at Sara. "Your mistake has nothing to do with being smart. You're a very intelligent woman. You were naive and an unscrupulous male took advantage of it." He opened the car door. "I plan on educating her, so she won't be as naive when it comes to males."
As he walked around the front of the car, Sara watched him. I guess he's planning on staying around awhile. Joe opened her door. "When do you have to go back to work?"
"Matt hasn't said anything specific." He grinned. "I don't think I'll force the issue. Is that all right?"
She took his offered hand and stood. "I guess."
"I don't want to discuss work, but I should tell you a total of twenty-three girls were rescued and returned to their parents." He rubbed the back of his neck and stared at the lake. "We arrested fourteen people; eleven men and three females. We think we've deactivated that pornography ring's activities in the United States."
"What do you mean in the United States?"
"This pornography ring has cells throughout central Europe."
"You mean countries like Germany, France, and Spain?"
"I mean more east central Europe like Slovakia, Czech Republic, and Romania. I think we've covered enough business." Opening the trunk, Joe handed Sara a blanket. "Would you carry this?" He lifted the picnic basket.
"Did you make lunch yourself?"
He shut the trunk. "I had some things to take care of this morning, so I had our picnic feast catered. I hope you don't mind."
She walked toward the grass. "I don't mind. Which way?" She glanced to the left and then the right.
Joe stood beside her and surveyed the area. "Which would you prefer? The left appears to have ducks and geese on the lake, but the right seems to have more shade."
She shielded her eyes from the glare and looked across the lake. "I think the country club's straight across the lake."
"If you want to have our picnic on the golf course, I'm game, but the golfers might complain." He grinned and teased, "And if you get hit by a golf ball, you might complain."
"I like sunshine. It's cheery and the ducks are fun to watch."
Joe took her hand as they walked. "Sun and ducks it is."
Sara laid the blanket on the grass. "Joe, are we all right?"
| Author Notes |
Thank you Dark Lord for the beautiful artwork 'peep peep.' I could not resist the adorable little duckling.
Phase Two of chemo seems to be going well, so far. Thank you for your concerns, prayers, and well wishs. Thank you for your reviews and sticking by me as we get down to the last 50 pages of this novel. |
By barbara.wilkey
BACKGROUND:
At the end of my last post, Sara laid the blanket on the grass. "Joe, are we all right?"
______________________________________________________________________________
Joe set the picnic basket down and took Sara's hands. "As far as I'm
concerned our relationship hit a few rocky bluffs, but it has always been all right." He leaned over and kissed her cheek. "Every relationship hits some rough spots."
"I'm sorry for the rocky bluffs."
"It's not your fault." A breeze blew a strand of hair across her cheek. Joe brushed it behind her ear. "What changed your mind?"
"Dani stopped by before her flight yesterday. She has a way of putting things in perspective, doesn't she?"
Joe laughed. "I should've known Dani couldn't keep her nose out of our business." He shook his head. "If it helped you decide to stay with me, I won't complain."
Sara sat on the blanket, opened the picnic basket, and smiled. "How did you know I love croissants?" She removed items and studied the containers. "I've never had lobster before." She held a container of chocolate dipped strawberries and licked her lips. "I've seen these in the candy store window at the mall. I've always wanted to try one, but they're too expensive."
Joe sat beside her and took it from her. After he opened it, he lifted a strawberry to her lips. "Here, taste."
"But, they're for dessert."
"We can eat in any order you want," he teased.
Their eyes met as she took a bite of the strawberry. "Umm ... it's absolutely delicious." She closed her eyes, enjoying the entire bite.
"When you're ready, there's another bite." Sara ate the rest of the strawberry.
He leaned over and kissed her.
She gulped. "No one has ever treated me special before." While she hesitated, her gaze moved down to the blanket. "Joe, we're complete opposites. You drive a Porche. I drive a dilapidated bug. The money you spent on this lunch would feed Cassie and me for a week and a half."
"You deserve to be treated special." He lifted her chin and looked into her eyes. "What are you really saying?"
"Are you trying to seduce me?" Her cheeks turned pink.
Joe grinned. "As pleasant as that would be, no, I'm not." He paused. "I have a different motive."
I wonder what that motive is? Sara tilted her head.
He grinned. "I'm trying to show you how much I love you, so I can win your heart."
"You live five hundred miles away."
Joe released a deep breath. "True, but I plan on being part of your life. The distance won't stop me treating you --"
"You can't spend the rest of your life buying me flowers and taking me places in limousines," interrupted Sara.
"Why not? I can afford it."
"It's not normal. It only happens in movies and romance novels."
"Doesn't your dad do special things for your mom?"
"Yes, but not two dozen roses."
"He does what he can afford, right?" After she nodded, Joe continued, "I can afford roses, white limousines, and picnic baskets with lobster and chocolate covered strawberries."
"After the newness wears off, you won't feel like doing it anymore and with the distance .... You're in North Carolina."
"I'm in Virginia. Matt moved Task Force 385 to Alexandria about a year and a half ago. We needed to be closer to the action. You've seen Matt and Dani together, right?"
"They seem happily married."
"They are very happy after almost four years of marriage. Matt does special things for Dani, and I'm going to continue doing special things for you." He grinned. "There's no way you can stop me."
She studied the picnic basket. "I guess you're right about that." Her eyes met his. "What if I had decided I didn't want to see you anymore?"
"I love you and I wouldn't have taken no for an answer. I would've just tried harder."
"Has anybody ever told you you're a hopeless romantic?"
"Are you complaining?" He began filling a plate. Once it was full, he offered it to her. "I hope you're hungry."
Sara accepted it. "Do you really believe love can overcome all the obstacles?"
"What obstacles are you talking about?"
"Well, I guess the largest hurdle is Cassie."
"Don't go there," interrupted Joe. "I've proven my devotion to her on numerous occasions. What other hurdles are you concerned about?"
"I don't know what ramifications may come from Roy being identified as Cassie's father."
"None, I've taken care of that situation," Joe said curtly. "What's the next problem you're worried about?"
I wonder what that means? I'd better drop it right now. Sara took three deep breaths. "I'm concerned you only tell me what you want me to know. You leave out what you feel I don't need to know, or you think I can't handle."
Joe took a bite of lobster. "You're right, but you're probably wrong about the reasons. I leave out information because I want you protected, not for any other reason. When it comes to my work, I can't share a lot of it with you because too much knowledge could put you in danger."
"Are you sure the reason is so I won't worry about you?"
"You'd really worry about my safety?" teased Joe, then continued, "You're right. I don't want you to unnecessarily worry."
"But if you're in danger, I don't want to find out by someone coming to my door or calling me saying you're injured or worse."
After thinking about that possibility, Joe said, "You have a point. We can compromise by me agreeing whenever I know I'm going to be in a dangerous situation, I'll tell you. That way you won't have to worry all the time. What's another obstacle?"
So he's willing to compromise. Hummm. "How far is it from White Oak to Alexandria? I know Alexandria's in Virginia, but that's all I know."
"They're a little over five hundred miles apart. Alexandria is in Northern Virginia and sits on the west bank of the Potomac River about six miles below Washington DC."
"You've been all around the world. I've been all around White Oak." She fingered a piece of lobster to avoid his eyes.
"Yes, I've done some traveling and I've dated a few women. We've already had those discussions. I said all I wanted out of life was a loving wife and family, and you decided my past didn't bother you. You agreed to keep it in the past."
"But my life must be boring to you."
"We've discussed that too. Remember the night ...."
"That you brought butter pecan ice cream for dessert and said my life seemed perfect to you?"
"Yes, that night." He paused, before he added, "Do you have any new worries or do you want to repeat things we've already discussed?"
"I don't have very much money."
"Why's that important? In the United States we don't choose our future spouses because of the size of their dowry." Joe took a bite of a croissant.
With pink cheeks, she said, "You're making fun of me."
He kissed her cheek. "I'm sorry. I don't understand why you're concerned about money. I make plenty."
"I'm concerned because I'm a single parent. I cut out coupons for the grocery store, for heaven's sake. I don't want people thinking I fell in love with you for your money. I don't want to be a kept woman."
| Author Notes |
I felt chocolate covered strawberries were a perfect way to begin this post.
I have 29 pages left in this novel. Thank you for sticking by me. This weeks chemo has kicked my butt, so I hope there aren't too many mistakes in this post. The new drug, Taxol, introduced in Phase 2 depletes your body of iron. So I have added two iron pills and all the iron enriched foods I can find to my diet. So far, my iron count continues to drop. I'm hoping to advoid a blood transfussion. |
By barbara.wilkey
From last weeks post:
"I'm concerned because I'm a single parent. I cut out coupons for the grocery store, for heaven's sake. I don't want people thinking I fell in love with you for your money. I don't want to be a kept woman."
*****
Joe laughed. "George mentioned that."
"He promised he wouldn't mention our conversation." She reached toward his pocket. "I need your cell phone. He promised."
"Calm down." He chuckled. "George and I were in a tight situation while rescuing the last two girls. He told me to lighten the air. It worked, too. It made me smile."
"You weren't making fun of the country hick, were you?"
"No. Neither George nor I would ever make fun of you. I have the same country background as you do."
"You've overcome it. I'm still living it." She looked down.
Joe lifted her chin. "You have nothing to apologize for. Your feet are firmly planted and I admire that. That's one of the things I love about you." He threw a pebble toward the lake. "Are there any other concerns?"
She tore a croissant in half and nibbled at it. "You were angry with Roy and I watched you repeatedly slug him. I'm sure with time Cassie or I will make you angry. How do I know you won't hurt one of us?" She studied her hand holding the rest of the croissant. "Especially Cassie. She's not your flesh and blood."
Joe licked his lips. "This is the root of all your doubt, isn't it?"
Moisture filled her eyes. "Every time we've started discussing it we've been interrupted." She dried the tears rolling down her cheek. "If it only affected me, I'd take a chance, but I need to consider Cassie. I can't put her in danger just because I fell in love."
"I admire your devotion to your daughter. If she didn't come first, I wouldn't love you as much as I do." He shook his head. "You Riley women blew my socks off. I don't understand it." He studied his little finger and wiggled it.
He swallowed as he took her hand and placed it across his heart. "I promise with all my heart I'll never lay a hand on either of you. If you can't believe that, I'll walk away now." He stared into her eyes.
"Joe ...?" her voice trailed, paused, then continued, "What if you get angry with somebody else and beat them up in front of Cassie."
He leaned over and kissed her hand still against his chest. "I was wrong for attacking Roy and I've regretted it every day since. I'm sorry."
He picked up a handful of pebbles and threw each one individually toward the lake. "Damn!" He threw the rocks down. "Nothing in my training prepared me for falling in love."
His eyes met hers. "I assumed you made a mistake, got pregnant in high school, and I accepted that. When I found out you were date raped, I was furious. This jerk was never held accountable. He even allowed the townspeople and himself to chastise you for over fourteen years."
Joe released a deep breath. "I can't explain the rage that came over me when I saw you slug him. When he ordered his brother to handcuff you for assaulting an officer, I couldn't restrain myself."
He turned toward the lake. "I don't know how, but somehow I knew he was the man who raped you. Not only that, but he's an officer of the law. Then I remembered how he treated you during the reunion dance."
Joe took her hand and held it. "I honestly wanted to kill him. All I could think of was protecting you and I wanted to take all the years of pain from you. I'm sorry." He closed his eyes.
Sara reached up, put her arms around his neck, and kissed him.
He wrapped his arms around and squeezed her.
When he loosened his hold, he said, "I knew love was a powerful emotion, but I never expected it to hit me as hard as it did." He hesitated. "You don't have any other secrets that might cause me to lose control, do you?"
She shook her head. "No. Cassie's father was my only secret."
"Good. I don't think I could stand any others." He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed her fingers. "I'm sorry I scared you."
"I know this was hard, but I needed to talk all this out. I'm ready to go on with our relationship. There are no more obstacles." She kissed him.
| Author Notes |
I knew I wanted a heart for this post. I went to my favorite artist, Angelheart, knowing she would have the perfect artwork for me. My only problem was choosing only one from her collection. Thank you, Angelheart.
The chicken livers worked and my iron count has started an upward climb. YEA!!!!! Today is not one of my better days, so I hope when I did my final edit, I didn't miss too much. I am sure my FS friends will help me. There are 24 pages left. |
By barbara.wilkey
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Joe released a deep breath as he glanced across the lake. "If you're finished, let's clean up and take a walk." He packed the leftovers. Holding the container of strawberries, he smiled. "Would you like to finish these?"
"Maybe I'll have a few more."
He removed the lid and handed her a strawberry. "Enjoy it. We're in no hurry."
After Sara hugged him, he asked, "What's that for?"
"Because you're a nice guy."
"Darn; I hoped you needed to lean on my shoulders for support." He held her. "I want you to remember how you once found comfort in my arms."
She gulped. "I never forgot. That was part of the problem. I could never push my feelings for you from my heart. I had a battle going on between my head and my heart."
"Your heart won?"
"My heart won. Dani reminded me how wonderful you are."
He kissed her cheek. "There's a strawberry left, would you like it?"
"I've eaten them all. Are you sure you wouldn't like the last one?"
He handed it to her. "I'm positive. On Valentine's Day I'll send you dozens of chocolate covered strawberries."
Joe watched Sara finish eating. "Let's get to that walk." He lifted her chin and kissed her.
She glanced around the area, making sure nothing was forgotten. I wonder why he's in such a hurry. She followed him, carrying the blanket.
After Joe secured everything in the trunk, he held out his hand. "Ready?"
"Yep. Which way should we go; left or right?" She took his hand.
"Let's go right so we're not walking into the sun."
As they walked closer to the country club, Sara pointed. "Joe, look. The garden's decorated for a wedding. I've always dreamed of having a wedding in that garden. Isn't it beautiful? Look, the ducks are swimming beside the shore."
Before he could answer, she pointed to the roses. "The bride must love roses as much as I do." She stopped and stared. "White and yellow roses." She pointed to the archway. "I've never seen it decorated with pink roses."
She turned toward Joe. "Somebody really important must be getting married. I've been so preoccupied with Cassie's situation I haven't read the newspaper. Whoever it is must have a lot of money. A wedding like this would cost a fortune."
Ginger Moore slammed the country club door and glared at Sara. "I can't believe you've closed the entire club for your reception. That's really selfish, isn't it?"
Sara stared at her. I wonder what she's talking about. She watched her walk to her black Corvette.
When Sara turned toward Joe, he was on his knee. "Sara Riley, will you marry me?" He opened a small black box that held a three stone diamond ring.
She covered her mouth with her hands and released a deep breath. "You did this, didn't you? But when?"
Still on his knee, he grinned. "Answer my question, and I'll give you the details." When she didn't respond, Joe repeated, "Sara, will you marry me?"
She swallowed. "Right now? This very minute?"
"Not right this minute, but as soon as you change. Your wedding dress is waiting inside."
She glanced toward the country club front door. "Really?"
"Sara, will you answer the question?"
When she walked over to the archway and touched the roses, Joe followed her. "You're not going to answer my question until I tell you how all this happened, are you?" He released a deep breath. "This morning I asked your dad's permission. After he gave his blessing, I set up a three-way teleconference call between my mom, your mom, and Dani."
"You told Cassie about this when you came to my house today, didn't you? That's why she hugged you twice, isn't it?"
"Yes. I had to have her permission and she gave us her blessing. She was excited about getting to help plan our wedding. I'm sure she and Dani had a lot of input."
Sara laughed. "So Dani had a hand in setting this up?"
"Of course, you don't think she'd let something as important as a wedding happen without her help, do you?" Joe chuckled.
"Your mom described the type of dress, flowers, candles, music, and reception you'd like." He grinned. "It was my idea to close the country club. I thought you needed to make this town stop and take notice for a few hours."
She sighed. "How did all this stuff get done in half a day?"
"Our moms coordinated the flowers, food, minister, and the country club. I think they used all the favors owed to them through the years."
He smiled as a white limousine drove up. "Your mom described your dream dress and Dani found it."
"Is my wedding dress white?"
"I don't know anything else about it, but I do know it's white. You deserve to be married in white." When she started to object, Joe kissed her. "You agreed not to cut yourself down around me, remember?"
He ran his fingers through his short hair. "The circumstances surrounding Cassie's conception aren't important to me. I hope you understand it wasn't your fault and will quit blaming yourself."
Her eyes met his. "Thank you. You always seem to know exactly what to say to help me put things in perspective."
"Dani also took care of both our moms' and Cassie's dresses. We thought you'd want Cassie to be your maid of honor. Matt agreed to be my best man."
Dani ran up to Sara and they hugged. "Congratulations. I told you Joe hadn't changed his mind about you. I can't wait until we live in the same town. We'll have fun doing things together."
Matt, dressed in his Army Blues, slapped Joe on the back. "The rest of the team will be here in a few minutes. The team's ready for the arch of sabers. You're planning on a military wedding, right?"
Joe glanced at Sara. "I'm not sure. Sara hasn't agreed to marry me, yet?"
Dani took Sara's arm and led her away from the men. "We need to talk." After finding a private place, Dani asked, "What's the problem?"
"There isn't a problem. I love Joe and want to marry him, but so much has happened I haven't had a chance to answer him." She studied the country club. "What does my dress look like?"
"It's a strapless white satin A-line gown with embroidery and a split front overskirt."
Sara closed her eyes to visualize it. "It sounds beautiful." A blush came over her cheeks. "I don't have the proper undergarments for a gown like that."
Dani glanced toward the men. "In the limousine is a suitcase packed with everything you need and something for tonight." She grinned. "I'm sure you want tonight to be special."
Sara's cheeks turned crimson. "My nightgown's flannel and covers my knees."
"I guarantee you'll feel beautiful. Joe will love it. It's a little naughty, but tasteful.
"You think of everything, don't you? Thank you." She took Dani's hand.
"Your clothes were easy to pick out. I hope you like what I chose for Cassie. It was difficult finding something just right. I wanted her to look beautiful, but still remembering she's only fourteen years old."
Dani licked her lips. "It's a sleeveless light blue taffeta tea-length dress. It has a semi-sheer neckline and a bow," she placed her hand under her breasts, "at the empire waist."
"Cassie will look gorgeous in that. She's so pretty in blue."
"The army has many occasions for us to dress-up. It'll be fun going shopping with you."
Sara glanced toward Joe, then back at Dani, "You said something earlier about living in the same town?"
"Joe hasn't said anything about moving to Alexandria, has he?" Dani sighed. "We need to give you a chance to finish talking."
| Author Notes |
We are coming to an end. Only eleven pages left. I'm sure Sara will hold true to form and NOT make this easy for Joe, but we'll have to wait and see.
On Thursday, I finished week 6 of phase two chemo. I'm half way done with this phase. It's taking it's toll on me, but thanks to all your support I can draw strength from my friends. |
By barbara.wilkey
Background;
"Joe hasn't said anything about moving to Alexandria, has he?" Dani sighed. "We need to give you a chance to finish talking." She turned toward where Joe and Matt were talking.
________________________________________________________________________________
When the women got closer, Joe put his arm around Dani. "Have you convinced Sara to marry me?"
"You need to discuss where you'll live and other important details. Sara can't say yes until she has all the information." Dani reached for Matt's hand. "We need to leave them alone."
Joe watched them walk away, then wiped his brow as he turned toward Sara. "I didn't explain enough, did I?" He glanced toward the country club. "I hope the minister doesn't have other plans for this afternoon."
Sara placed her hands on her hips. "Why is what we need to discuss so difficult?"
"Because I know how much you love your parents and I'm afraid you won't want to leave."
He released a deep breath. "OK, here it goes. I've hired a grounds keeper for your house. He'll take care of it until I retire, then we can come back here to live. I think it'll be a perfect retirement home."
He avoided eye contact. "I know you don't want to be away from Cassie for very long, so our honeymoon will be short. I've made plans to fly to New York City tonight and tomorrow. After that we'll fly to Alexandria. Dani has narrowed our house search down to four. You can choose from the four houses and decorate it however you choose."
He gave her a quick glance. "After you decide on the house and furnish it with the necessities, we'll get Cassie, pack, and say goodbye to your parents. I know you wanted to take Cassie to a zoo, so I've made plans to visit the National zoo on our way to Alexandria. When we're home, you can finish decorating the house."
Joe took a white piece of paper from his pocket. "After we're married, you'll need to sign this." He held it for Sara to see. "It's an adoption paper. Roy agreed to let me adopt Cassie."
"You thought of everything." Sara turned and stared at the white limousine, before facing Joe. "I guess I have no say in anything, do I?"
She chewed her lower lip. "The house I live in has been chosen for me." She held up her fingers. "Oh, I'm sorry narrowed down to four houses. Without my consent you made arrangements to adopt my daughter. We've never even discussed you wanting to adopt Cassie. The house I own has a grounds keeper I've never met."
She stomped her foot. "Dani even chose the underwear I'm wearing under the wedding gown that she chose for me. I didn't even get a say in the nightgown I'll wear on my wedding night."
"I'm in trouble again, aren't I?" Joe gulped. "Would it help if I reminded you I've made plans for us to take Cassie to the National Zoo? I've also made plans for us to pick out sheets to go with your new bedspread."
Sara stared at him. "Everything sounds perfect, but I'd like some say in my own life." She started to walk off, but then came back. "I'd like some say in which house I live in, who's going to care for the house I own, which city I live in, and who's the father of my child." Moisture welled in her eyes. "I'd even like to decide on my own underwear."
Sara started to add something, but walked toward the rose-covered archway.
Joe crept toward Sara. When he got close enough for her to hear, he
said, "You're right about everything. We should've made these decisions together and I should've never assumed you'd want me to adopt your daughter. I love you and all I could think about was being married. I couldn't stand the idea of going back to Alexandria without you, so I did what needed to be done to make that happen. Even though I tried to do everything like I thought you'd want it done, I should've included you. I'm sorry." He turned and walked away.
He had almost reached the driveway, when Sara called, "Joe?"
"What?" He didn't turn.
She stood a few feet from him. "If I could've chosen Cassie's father, it would've been you."
He faced her. "What?"
"Cassie's father, I would've chosen you."
"Thank you." He turned and continued walking.
Sara watched Joe head toward the lake. "Where are you going?"
"To my car. I'm driving to Alexandria tonight."
She caught up to him. "Why?"
"Because I royally messed up and need to lick my wounds before I try again."
"Don't I have a say in this either?" She took his hand.
"You had your say and made it very clear I'm a jerk."
"I thought you said you loved me and always would." She kissed his cheek.
"I do love you and always will." He paused. "You just ripped my heart from my chest. Do you have to rub it my face too?"
"Joe, if you'll stop long enough and listen, I'm trying to tell you I love you."
"I was wrong."
"Yes, you were very wrong, but everybody makes mistakes. I've forgiven you. Are you going to forgive yourself, or are you going to walk away and take the chance it'll ruin our relationship?"
"Did I hear you say you love me?" After she nodded, he continued, "Did I hear you say you've forgiven me for making all the decisions and controlling your life?"
"You heard right on both accounts. Col. Joe Barnes, I love you and I forgive you." She smiled. "But don't make it a habit of making all the decisions. This is the new me. I plan on standing up for myself."
"Believe me, I won't. You've taught me a lesson. I won't make the same mistake twice." He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "Would you like to go bowling?"
"What?" She wrinkled up her nose.
"I'm asking if you'd like to go bowling."
"That's not the question I expected."
"I thought maybe I should start from the beginning."
"I think our relationship is farther along than going bowling together. We've made love and --" she reach into his pocket and pulled out a folded sheet of paper, "we have a fourteen year old daughter together."
He put his arms around her. "How long will it take you to plan our wedding? I guess my real question is which day would you like to get married?"
"I really don't see a need for a long engagement." She paused and glanced at the country club. "How about today?"
On one knee, he took the small black box from his pocket. "Sara, will you marry me?"
"When I did your laundry, was this ring inside the duffle bag? Was this what you were afraid I'd find?"
"I'd originally planned on proposing before I left that Saturday, but Cassie was abducted so it didn't happen."
"One more question. What is an arch of sabers?"
"Six or eight uniformed military members create an arch by holding up sabers. After the couple is pronounced man and wife, oops, husband and wife, they leave by passing under the arch."
"OK, I like that. If you want an arch of sabers, I approve."
After adjusting his knee still on the ground, Joe said, "Sara, please give me an answer. Will you marry me?"
Their eyes met. "Yes, I'll marry you and I'll sign Cassie's adoption papers."
Joe stood and kissed her, before he placed the ring on her finger.
She stared at the ring. "This is huge. Are you sure we can afford this?"
"I'm sure we can afford it. Do you like it?"
"It's gorgeous. Why did you get something so large?"
"I've already told you, Task Force men are always doing things for women with pretty faces and you're another pretty face.," He lifted her right hand and touched her little finger. "See this finger." After she nodded, he said, "You have me wrapped around it." He glanced toward the country club and saw Cassie standing in the doorway. "And your daughter does too."
"Joe, are you positive this is what you want to do?"
"I've never been more positive about anything in my life. You just made me the happiest man in the world." He kissed her. "Are you sure about today? We can get married any day you want."
Sara surveyed the white limousine, her ring, and then the country club's garden. "I'm positive about today. Let's get married."
THE END
| Author Notes |
Thank you Matterofprint for your lovely artwork, I Will. This is the final post of Another Pretty Face. I'm glad you have stuck with me throughout the entire novel.
A few people didn't like the idea of Joe planning the wedding without Sara's help. They thought it was unrealistic. Other's thought it was very romantic. I will consider both points of view while I edit. This ending reflects my orginal manuscript. I also want to thank my special angel's who have continued to support my postings with numerous pumps throughout my illness. I don't have the energy to do a lot of reviewing and you have continued to keep my posts high enough my fans are rewarded. I appreciate that. |
|
You've read it - now go back to FanStory.com to comment on each chapter and show your thanks to the author! |
| © Copyright 2015 barbara.wilkey All rights reserved. barbara.wilkey has granted FanStory.com, its affiliates and its syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work. |
© 2015 FanStory.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Terms under which this service is provided to you. Privacy Statement