Out of the Storm (10 page)

They returned his smile and headed for the parking lot. Part of Eric looked forward to the prospect of taking care of Ashley and Kylie. Someone to care for and worry about again. Another part of him was terrified.

She looked up at him and smiled with a quiet confidence, taking his arm. “I promise. I’ll do my best to make sure everything turns out okay.”

“I know you will, Ashley. We both will. Let’s go…home
.
”

Chapter Twelve

Ashley sat next to him in the cab of the truck, hugging the door handle. Eric hoped it was locked or she’d be roadkill on Route 28. Despite her upbeat comments as they left the hospital, she’d been silent ever since. It was no act. She stared absently at the landscape and fidgeted with her hair, eyes pensive and downcast.

“I have to find some work. I’m not a freeloader,” she announced quietly again, breaking the thick silence.

“Never thought you were,” he assured her.

She stared at him.

“Look, Ashley.” Eric shrugged. “I’ve got to get used to your being here...” He pulled the truck onto the shoulder. “It’s not bad, just different.” Eric forced a smile, still struggling with his feelings.

She nodded. “I never owed anything to anyone. Ever!” she snapped at him, eyes red and angry. “I got a good head on my shoulders. Got good grades in school and had some decent jobs back home,” she said. “I
will
find somethin’ I can do. Some way to help pay you back.”

“I want you to take a couple of days off. I insist. I don’t know anything about…what you’ve been through, but you must be tired. Please. Rest till the weekend. Then we’ll find something for you to do. If you’ve worked in an office, maybe you can help us at the marina. Believe me, we could sure use some help there. We’ll figure out what to do with Kylie. Maybe my head mechanic can teach her to strip a diesel blindfolded.” Eric grinned.

“You never know.” Ashley leaned back in her seat, relaxing. She looked straight ahead but returned his grin. “Kylie’s quite a girl. She may surprise you.”

Eric watched Ashley, thinking again how much he enjoyed her smile and her smooth drawl. Eric was letting his guard down and enjoying that, too.

“We’ll figure some way for you to repay some of the money. But you and Kylie are like family, so until you find your own place you can stay with me—if that’s what you want.”

Ashley nodded. “Eric. I told you, Daddy said you were a good man. I trust you. I just need to feel useful,” she added.

“Sounds good to me. Next weekend’s Memorial Day. It’s our busiest time. You can spend a few days getting to know our operations, the systems—how things work and…” Eric hesitated, holding out his hand. “Let’s just say when it comes to the office, anything you do will be an improvement.” He paused. “Deal?”

They exchanged looks. She took his hand and shook it. Her shake warm and firm, sending electricity up his arm. “Deal,” Ashley agreed.

****

Eric pulled the Jeep into his driveway, parked, turned off the engine, and got out. Lu’s car sat on the crushed stone parking area next to the street. He looked at his passenger.

“We’re home.” A strange ambivalence crept over Eric. Not sure why. Like the times he’d led his team into an empty building that looked safe. Too empty and too safe. Trouble was no matter how many times you scouted it, by the time you saw the danger it was too late.

Ashley sat, frozen, eyes searching from one side to the other. Eric walked around the truck and opened her door slowly, reluctant to invade wherever her mind had taken her. She flinched. Had he violated some private space? What had those soft eyes seen? Part of him wanted to know, to care. Another resisted. He had demons of his own. They consumed enough of his time. At least they had till Friday night.

“Sorry.” She looked at him with a hesitant smile. He took her hand and helped her out, touching her arm lightly. “You go in. I’ll get your things and the mail and be right there.”

Ashley stared straight ahead, then looked around warily. Was she searching for something or someone? Taking one final glance, she headed slowly up the walk toward the back porch. He watched. She wore the look of a hunted animal. Eric pulled the plastic bag with her clothes and toiletries from behind the seat, then quick-timed it to the mailbox.

He thumbed through the envelopes. Couple of bills, a Pennysaver. Nothing important. When he turned around, Ashley stood frozen—head down, shoulders slumped. As Eric approached, he could see she was trembling. Drawing next to her, Eric saw tears covering her cheeks. Turning toward him, she whispered, “They been through so much. And I wasn’t even here. I left them alone,” she whispered, adding, “I feel so guilty.” She shook her head, angrily pushing the tears aside. “Don’t know what to say—how to explain what happened.”

Eric found her eyes and took her shoulders gently. “From what I’ve seen, you have nothing to feel guilty about.” And she didn’t. Kylie was an amazing little girl. After only two days, Eric liked her—very much. She was sweet, soft-spoken, caring, looking after Rusty like a little brother. Kylie never asked for anything without a “please” followed by an immediate “thank you.” No matter what darkness Ashley had been through, she’d insulated her daughter. “Nothing,” he repeated softly.

Suddenly, Ashley sobbed, falling into his chest and clutching his shirt as she pulled him close. “And now,” she began in a tone of quiet regret, “I brought our problems on you.” She pulled him tighter. “I didn’t want to. I’m…I’m so sorry.”

He should have pushed her away. Kept a safe distance. No question. Doubts and mystery surrounded her like a shroud. But Eric didn’t care. He wanted her close—needed to feel her safe and warm. To protect her from whatever evil pursued her. Ashley belonged in his arms. The warmth and electricity surged between them as he held her. Eric shut his eyes, softly stroking her lush hair. He hadn’t felt like this in such a long time. Slowly, hesitantly, he let his arms surround Ashley.

“Ahem…” Louise cleared her throat. She stood on the small porch next to the kitchen, wearing an apron and a curious expression.

“Come on, you two. Time for supper,” she said, narrowing her eyes.

Eric backed away quickly, releasing Ashley. Her eyes were moist and downcast. Her cheeks flushed. He raised his eyebrows and shrugged as he went by Lu, expecting a cross look. To his surprise, she gave him a nod and squeezed his shoulder.

Just as he was about to introduce Ashley and Louise, his cell rang. When Eric looked at the number, he swallowed deeply. His BlackBerry’s screen said Private Number. He held up one hand and pushed the talk button with the other. The connection was poor—a voice, very faint—hidden by static. “Be right back. This could be important,” he ran outside, hoping to get a clear signal. Louise nodded. Maybe it was a telemarketer, but maybe it was Lip, even Ralph. His heart pounded in his chest and his throat felt coarse as sandpaper. Nothing. The line went dead.

He tried voice mail but there was no message.
Damn!
When he hit redial, a mechanical voice announced, “Your call cannot be completed as dialed.” He repeated the exercise only to hear the same message.

Inside, the reunion between Ashley and Kylie was long and touching. When Eric returned to the kitchen they held each other, faces beaming, streaked with tears.

Ashley whispered soft assurances to her daughter. “I’m so sorry. I’ll never leave you again, honey. I promise.” Eric overheard. Even Rusty got into the act, yipping happily, dancing around and jumping onto their legs.

“Everything all right?” Louise found his eyes.

“Yeah, fine,” Eric lied. Things had never been more mixed up, more confused. But he smiled and nodded at Ashley and Kylie, who still held each other as if their lives depended on it. Whatever sadness or misery life had dealt them, they had an amazing bond. Could what they said about Ralph be true?

“How can I help, ma’am?” Ashley broke their embrace and asked Louise as she sniffled and wiped her tears away.

“First, call me Lu.” She held out her hand. Ashley took it with both of hers. “Then you can set the table.” Louise gestured toward Kylie, who stood brushing her own tears aside with a huge smile fixed on her face. “Kylie knows the routine.”

The little girl proceeded to show her mother where the plates, silverware, and glasses were kept. The two of them laughed and joked with each other, setting four places, every item in perfect alignment. Eric took it all in.

They were just about to sit down to dinner when the phone in the kitchen rang. Louise was the closest. She picked it up. “Hello…” She waited five seconds and repeated the greeting. “No one there.” She shook her head and shrugged, then sat down to dig in to her homemade meatloaf and mashed potatoes. “Funny. That’s the third time that’s happened today.” She shook her head. “Sounds like someone’s there but they don’t answer. Phone’s been acting funny all afternoon.”

“Probably telemarketers,” Eric said casually. “This is the time they call.” He was about to cut a slab of meatloaf, when he glanced at Ashley. She wore a curious expression. Eric couldn’t read it. She stole a look at him as she fidgeted with her napkin. Then, clearing her throat, Ashley stood and crossed to the sink, pouring herself a drink of water. She scanned the yard and narrow road leading to the house.

He got up and followed her to the sink, looking out the window. The little girl next door was laughing and playing, and the man across the street cut his grass. He was about to turn away when he saw it. A nondescript white van. Could be nothing but it looked like the vehicle he’d seen the other night. The kind someone might use for shadow and surveillance. A few feet behind it stood another with lettering on the side. It was too small to read from the window, but two small antennae perched above the dark roof like misshapen ears. She saw the vehicles, stared for a few seconds, then smiled weakly, and began to walk back.

“Friends of yours?” he whispered so the others wouldn’t hear. Ashley played with her lip and found his eyes.

She looked confused. “Don’t know what you mean.”

“I’d like to talk later,” he suggested, watching her reaction. Nothing. No subtle body language or nervous ticks to indicate anything other than bashful innocence.

“Sure. Whatever you’d like.” She shrugged and put on a pleasant smile as she headed back to the table, glancing over her shoulder toward the street. When they were all seated, Ashley orchestrated everyone grasping hands. Louise reached for Eric’s. Ashley wore the stern look of his old Sunday school teacher. She nodded, closed her eyes, then began, “Lord, thank you for this food which we are about to receive…”

Eric glanced at Louise. She hid a grin. After finishing the blessing, Ashley crossed herself. Kylie followed her lead and looked up with a stern expression that mirrored her mother’s. Ashley nodded at Eric.

After dinner everyone adjourned to the living room. Eric made an excuse and went back to the kitchen where he checked the street for anything unusual. As he watched, two workmen emerged from one of the houses on the opposite side of the street. One leaned slightly under the apparent weight of a massive tool box. The second carried a stack of small boxes. So much for intrigue!

“Ahem.” Ashley cleared her throat loudly behind him. She approached and stood next to him, following his eyes. “Friends of
yours?
” she asked with obvious amusement.

Eric wanted to be angry. He wasn’t sure whether to smile or frown. He chose the latter. Ashley had an interesting sense of humor. “Guess not.” He turned and gestured toward the living room. “Mind if I check out the ball game?”

“No, Kylie and I can clean up,” Ashley volunteered.

“Thanks, honey, but you should be resting,” Louise said as she joined the growing crowd.

“I appreciate the kindness, ma’am, but I been cooped up for too long. I like being active,” Ashley explained as she called to Kylie.

“Okay,” Lu agreed. “I bought some groceries. Cold cuts, breakfast stuff, detergent, and soap. I’ll show you where everything is.”

Eric passed Kylie as he headed to the living room and found the remote. After ten minutes of quiet talk, soft laughter, and the sound of dishes being washed and dried, Lu rejoined him. She sat on the opposite end of the couch and watched Eric.

“I know it’s not my business but…” she said hesitantly as he turned toward her.

“Go ahead. If anyone has a right to question what’s going on, you do.”

“Did you pay Ashley’s hospital bill?” It was blunt and to the point. Lu’s style.

Eric nodded and raised his eyebrows. “Guess I feel responsible for her.” He didn’t mention Elaine’s insurance settlement. She would have wanted him to do some good with it. He was sure Louise would feel the same.

“That’s nice, son. But remember, there’s no blood relationship.” She continued watching him closely.

“I know.” She had a point. Was his mother-in-law thinking about the unguarded moment he and Ashley had shared before dinner?

Eric followed Lu with his eyes as she stood and headed to the kitchen to check on the clean-up. He wondered how she felt about this strange turn of events. She was kind and compassionate to a fault but still this—a mysterious, attractive young woman and her daughter occupying the home Elaine had cherished—was quite a leap of faith.

He heard more chatter, punctuated by casual laughter. Part of Eric felt compassion, even affection for the little family he’d inherited. He closed his eyes, thinking of Ashley. She’d felt warm and safe in his arms. The loneliness and despair that had consumed him and been his constant companion since Elaine’s death vanished for the few moments he held her.

Was it possible that Ashley and Kylie had given him something to connect with? More likely it was his need to be where the action was. Adrenaline junkie. That was Elaine’s name for it and a cliché, Eric knew. But his wife had hit the target—dead center. Eric never met an action situation he didn’t enjoy. And while no immediate threat had materialized, the girl’s appearance on his doorstep seemed to fit that description.