Читать книгу Family Ever After - Margaret Daley - Страница 9

“O r what?” The blond college student shoved to his feet, swaying into her as his chair toppled over.

The sound echoed through the dining area, and several customers nearby stopped talking and stared. All three young men were standing now. The blond’s huge presence dwarfed her. The odor of the alcohol they must have drunk earlier assailed her from all angles, roiling her stomach. Her heart increased its pounding against her rib cage.

The blond thrust his face close to hers, the smell intensifying. “I said, ‘Or what,’ li’l lady?” He mangled the words.

Speechless with fear, she tried to yank her arm away. The numbness she felt in her fingertips began to extend throughout her.

“Let go of her.” The owner’s deep baritone voice cut through the sudden silence.

The fingers at her wrist dug into her skin. “Whatcha gonna do about it?” The blond slowly turned his head toward Noah Maxwell, but not before Cara saw his bloodshot eyes narrow in fury.

Trying to ignore the pain his hold produced, she looked at Noah, only a few feet away. An ice-cold expression greeted her, directed at the young man gripping her. The dead calm in his eyes helped quiet her rapid heartbeat. He knew how to take care of himself. That thought eased her rising panic.

“As I thought, nothing.” The blond started to turn back toward her.

“Jake—” One of his friends inched closer.

Noah settled a hand on the drunk’s shoulder. “Let me show you the door, Jake.”

The steel thread woven through that one sentence chilled Cara and would have made most men pause—if they hadn’t been drinking and had an ounce of sense left. Jake wrenched away from Noah, still grasping her wrist, which pulled her toward the blond giant.

Cara jerked her arm toward her, hoping to throw the young man off his precarious balance. For a second he teetered, then righted himself and released his hold on her as he concentrated on Noah, who had inched even closer. His two friends came to Jake’s side.

Freed, Cara hurried toward Noah, thankful it was so late that any families who usually frequented the restaurant were gone. Most of the customers had backed away, and a couple of men stayed near. She prayed they would help Noah. Jake was huge and his two friends weren’t much smaller. Noah’s odds didn’t look good at the moment.

“We’ll leave when we want. And I don’t think there’s too much you can do about it, old man.” He glanced at his buddies, a smirk tilting his mouth. “You’re outnumbered.”

Noah chuckled. “Don’t be too sure about that.” Again that lethal quiet sounded in his voice.

Jake threw back his head and laughed. The action shifted his large body enough that he fell against one of his friends.

“I think you need to take him home,” Noah said to the young man helping Jake stand upright. “Believe me when I tell you, I have been in worse situations than this and have come out unscathed.”

The one called Brent took one of Jake’s arms. “Let’s go. Someone’s probably called the police by now.”

As the two dragged Jake toward the entrance, Noah quickly moved toward the trio. “I’m calling a cab to take you all home.”

Brent faced him. “I’m not drunk. I can drive.”

Noah assessed him. “Fine. If you don’t want to end up in jail, I suggest you all go home.”

Brent turned back to his friends and hooked his arm around Jake. When the door closed behind the trio, Cara sagged against a table. She couldn’t stop the trembling spreading through her body.

Noah’s arm went around her shoulder, supporting her against him. “Let’s go back to my office.”

Suddenly voices began chattering around her. She glimpsed the customers and staff staring at her and nodded. Almost in a daze, she allowed him to lead her back to his office and seat her across from him.

Thank You, Lord, for sending Noah . She folded her hands in her lap to keep them from shaking and lifted her head to look him in the eye. “Are you going to fire me?”

He looked puzzled. “Fire you? Why would I do that?”

Over the past week she’d heard wonderful things from the staff about Noah Maxwell, but she hadn’t seen him enough to know him firsthand. “They’ll probably never come back here to eat,” she finally said when she realized he was waiting for an answer.

“Good. I don’t need customers like that. I don’t want drunks eating here. This is a family restaurant and I don’t serve alcohol. If someone comes in again that is intoxicated, get me or the manager. You shouldn’t deal with problems like that.” He smiled. “I’m sorry I didn’t say anything to you before, but I hadn’t had to take care of something like that in a while. Most people know I don’t tolerate drunks.”

“Believe me, I’ll have no problem doing that the next time. I appreciate your help earlier.”

“My staff should never have to put up with someone like that young man.” Noah relaxed in his chair. “How was your first week on the job?”

“Fine.” Cara rubbed her thumb into her palm. From all accounts Noah Maxwell was a very wealthy man who still kept a personal interest in his business even though he didn’t need to. He hired competent managers and most of his staff had been with him a long time.

“Are you attending the barbecue at Stone’s Refuge on Sunday?” Noah asked.

“Yes, I’m helping Laura and Hannah set it up.”

“Why don’t you go on home?” He checked his watch.

“We’ll be closing up in a few minutes.”

“I’m supposed to learn how to close up with Kalvin tonight.”

He waved his hand. “Don’t worry. You can another night. I’ll help Kalvin this evening.”

“But—”

“Listen, Cara—” he leaned forward, his elbows on his knees “—I know how upsetting a scene like that can be. Go home.” He sat back. “Besides, I’m the boss. What I say goes.”

“How can I argue with that?”

“You can’t.”

The smile on his face totally altered the tough-guy facade he’d presented earlier to the three men. His hazel eyes sparkled, and his dimples drew attention to the curve of his mouth. He rose slowly, pulling her gaze down his length. Dressed in a gray, long-sleeved shirt and black slacks, he commanded the space around him, as though there wasn’t any situation he couldn’t handle.

“Are you working tomorrow?” he asked as he opened the door for her.

“Yes, I come in at ten.”

“Then you’d better go. Get some rest and put this evening behind you.”

After gathering her purse, she gave him a smile over her shoulder and walked toward the exit. “Thanks. I’m still adjusting to the job. My feet are killing me.”

“Try soaking them in warm saltwater.”

She placed her hand on the knob and looked back at Noah. Adam, one of the high school workers, said something, and Noah turned toward him.

Weariness blanketed her. Even though the idea of warm saltwater appealed to her, she was too tired even to take the time to do that. All she wanted to do was fall into bed and sleep for hours.

She opened the back door, noticing a few other staff members gathering their belongings to leave. As she stepped outside, she relished the night air cooling her cheeks. A pool of brightness shone down from the security light. She saw Maddy, another waitress, climb into her vehicle and back out. She waved to Cara as she drove past. Cara walked toward her car, thoughts of the comfortable bed waiting for her at Laura’s running through her mind.

“Boss, a toilet in the men’s bathroom overflowed,” one of Noah’s employees said, coming from the restroom.

“Will you clean it up before you leave?”

“Sure,” Kalvin muttered, quickly trying to cover his frown.

Pounding at the back door drew Noah’s attention. He peered through the peephole and saw Adam and Cara. Quickly he opened the door.

The ashen look on Cara’s face sent alarm bells ringing in Noah’s mind. “I thought both of you left. What’s wrong?”

Adam gestured toward the parking lot. “Those three guys that caused problems earlier in the restaurant were waiting for Cara. They tried to drag her to their car.”

Hands shaking, Cara crossed her arms over her chest. “They ran when Adam shouted at them. Or rather they staggered away. They had a liquor bottle and were passing it around. I—I didn’t know—”

“I’m calling the police. Adam, did you see what they were driving? We need to report this before they kill someone.”

“I want to file charges against them.” Cara lifted her chin a notch. “If they had gotten me into the car…” She shuddered, closing her eyes for a few seconds.

“I’ll take care of everything, Cara.”

As the teen gave Noah the description of the white car, Adam shot a concerned look at Cara. “Are you all right?”

“Yes, thanks to you.”

Noah was glad Adam had been at the right place at the right time, but he felt as though he had let down one of his workers. No one hurts his employees, not if he could do anything about it. He would push for those three to face the stiffest charges.

“You two can sit in my office while we wait.” Noah walked to the wall phone and punched in the police department. After making his report, he said to Kalvin, “Let the officer in when he comes.”

“Can we do anything to help?”

“Yeah, please finish closing up for me. I need to drive Cara home after she reports the incident.”

“Okay, boss.” Kalvin began to turn away, stopped and peered back at Noah. “I know Jake, Jeremy and Brent from school. They go to the University of Cimarron. They’re the star players on the baseball team. Without them I doubt we’ll win the conference.” Kalvin headed to the kitchen.

Great! Another added bonus. Noah thought of the publicity this would trigger when the press discovered the charges the three star players would face. He didn’t see any way this could be kept quiet.

He walked through the kitchen and found Cara and Adam seated in his office. While Adam peered at his hands in his lap, she stared off into space. An urge to eliminate that lost look in her eyes overwhelmed Noah. He settled in the last chair in front of his desk and faced Cara.

“The police should be here shortly. Can I get you anything until then?”

“No—yes, some water.”

Adam bolted to his feet. “I’ll get it.”

When the teen left, Noah took Cara’s trembling hands.

“I’m sorry this happened. This is usually a safe place to work. I—”

“You didn’t do anything. You can’t control what drunks will do.”

Her words plunged him back into the past. A picture of his father striding toward him with his fist raised struck him. Those were memories he made a point of never reliving. Shoving them away, he said, “That doesn’t mean I can’t try.”

Adam reentered the room with a law officer trailing. The teen gave Cara a glass of water and sat again in the chair next to her.

Noah stood. “Have y’all found them?”

“Right before I came in here, I got a report the three young men were pulled over not far from here. They’re being taken down to headquarters to be charged with public intoxication. They’ll be spending the night in jail.”

Noah sighed. “Good.”

“I want to file charges against them.” Cara clasped the arms of her chair.

The officer removed a pad and pen. “What happened, ma’am?”

After Cara told him what had happened in the parking lot, Noah recounted the incident in the restaurant.

The police officer peered up from writing. “I’ll need you all to come down and file these charges.”

The exhaustion carved into Cara’s face prompted Noah to ask, “Can I bring her tomorrow morning? This has been a long day for her.”

“Sure, Mr. Maxwell. They won’t be going anywhere.” The policeman looked at Adam. “I’ll need your statement, too.”

“I’ll bring him also,” Noah said.

“You did a good thing this evening, young man.” The officer said as he left.

“Since you missed your bus,” Noah asked Adam, “do you need a ride home?”

Adam shook his head. “I’ll get Kalvin to drive me.”

“Okay. How about tomorrow to the police station?”

“No, I can take the bus. What time should I be there?”

“Nine.”

Adam rose. “I’ll go help Kalvin close up.”

“Thanks again,” Cara said as the teen hurried from the office.

“Are you ready to leave?” Noah asked.

She pushed herself to her feet, tension in every line of her body. “I have my car here.”

“Since we need to go to the police station in the morning to give a statement, I’ll pick you up and then bring you here so you can get your car. I’ll find someone to take your shift tomorrow.”

“I can come in to work tomorrow. I need the money.” Anger slashed across her face. “I’m not gonna let those guys do any more to me than they already have.”

Noah sensed the fear beneath the declaration. Any moment he expected her to fall apart. “I don’t think you should drive yourself home. Your hands are shaking.”

The urge to draw her against him and hold her until her fear subsided set off alarms in Noah’s mind. He would take her home and to the police tomorrow because he was her employer. Even a temporary employee deserved his support. But after that, he would go his way and she hers. He made it a practice never to get involved with a single mother, and he intended to keep his life uncomplicated.

“Let’s go. It’s been a long day.” Noah withdrew his car keys from his pocket. When she started to protest, he cut her off. “Humor me. I wouldn’t be able to sleep if I sent you to Laura’s by yourself.”

Cara took a deep breath, then released it slowly. “Fine, but I’m coming into work tomorrow.” Her shoulders sagged as though suddenly she couldn’t keep the exhaustion at bay.

“If that’s the way you want it.” Maybe nothing would come of charging the star baseball players. Although he hadn’t known what the three guys looked like, he’d heard their names. For the first time in years, the team had a chance to win big because of these players. Who was he kidding? It was going to be a mess. This town was sports crazy when it came to supporting the University of Cimarron City Tigers. And Cara would be in the middle of it. He needed to warn her.

They settled in his Corvette, and for ten minutes, Noah negotiated the streets in silence. He didn’t know how to tell her who the young men were and just how popular they were in town.

Hesitant to make matters worse, he settled on something he remembered Laura saying about Cara. “Why does Laura call you a free spirit?”

Her laughter was forced. “She was being sarcastic. I’m anything but that.”

“But you left St. Louis on the spur of the moment?”

“Yeah, that was out of character. I normally plan everything down to the tiniest detail.”

“We all do things out of character from time to time.” Like what I’m doing now. I don’t get involved with women like Cara, women who want commitment. Ever .

“I guess it really wasn’t on the spur of the moment. Laura had been working on getting me here for the last eighteen months. So when Timothy said he missed Matthew and Joshua and playing with them, I decided it was time to move.” She leaned her head back on the soft leather cushion and closed her eyes. “I don’t want to return to St. Louis.”

Her comment out of the blue took him by surprise. “Why not?” he asked, before his internal censor could stop him from delving into her personal life.

“There’s nothing there for me. It was never my home.”

“How long did you live there?”

“Four years. Almost two after my husband died.”

“Where did you live before that?” He increased his speed once they left the city. Only five more minutes to the farm. Obviously his censor was defective this evening.

“I grew up in Flagstaff.” She straightened as he turned onto the road that led to Peter and Laura’s. “I was actually thinking of going there when I got in the car, but came here instead.”

“Why did you change your mind?” One minute away. He never got this personal with a woman, even the superficial ones he usually dated who never threatened his marital status. Too risky.

“I didn’t want to admit I couldn’t make it on my own. When Tim died, my parents wanted me to come home so they could take care of me. I haven’t even told them yet I’m in Cimarron City.”

He pulled to a stop in front of Peter’s house. A sigh escaped his lips. “I’ll pick you up a little before nine. It shouldn’t take too long at the police station.”

“I hope not. I don’t want to spend any more time than I have to on those three.”

The urge to drive away quickly assailed him. But he couldn’t leave yet. He had to tell her who those three were. When she opened the door and the light came on, Noah twisted to face her. Fatigue dulled the green in her eyes while her forehead wrinkled in question.

“You should know who Jake, Jeremy and Brent are before we go down to the station tomorrow.”

Her mouth pinched into a frown. “I know they’re boys parading around as men. They need to be held accountable for their actions.”

“I agree. But they’re the three star baseball players at the university here. Many of the townspeople have lived vicariously through their accomplishments.”

She smoothed a wisp of blond hair back from her plain-looking face. “Are you saying they should get special treatment?” Fury invaded her voice.

“No, I’m saying that the press may be all over this, and I want you to be prepared.”

She slid from the front seat and leaned down to look at him. “Consider me prepared. Thanks for the ride and the help tonight.”

The stiff way she carried herself toward the house spoke of her aggravation, some of it probably directed at him. He was afraid the justice she wanted wouldn’t happen, that she was going to be hurt further.

He waited while she slipped inside the house, wishing he could take care of the situation without involving her. His hands tightened on the steering wheel as he pictured Cara, vulnerable, trying to act brave. Most of his adult life he had avoided commitment. What was it about Cara Winters that made him think twice about his decision years ago to go it alone in this world?

Saturday afternoon after reconciling his receipts from the night before, Noah came to the conclusion one of his employees was stealing from him—to the tune of forty dollars for the second time this week. That knowledge made his stomach clench. He had thought it was an honest mistake. After all, he treated his employees fairly. Now it was obvious that was wishful thinking on his part.

In his youth he’d been tempted to steal in order to have money to eat. Instead, he’d gotten a job and, when that wasn’t enough, he’d gone out for a second one. When he got his hands on the thief, he would bring charges against that person.

He made his way to the dining room, trying to decide what to do to catch the thief. His gaze lit upon Cara near the waitress station. The circles under her eyes stood out against her pale cheeks. For a split second he had an urge to smooth them away. Instead he walked over and took two of her drinks. “Isn’t it time for your break?”

“As soon as I take care of table twenty.”

He held up the water. “I’ll help you. Are these for them?”

Her mouth formed a hard line. “I can do it.”

“I know you can.” He grinned. “Indulge me. I’d feel better if I helped.”

“Why?”

“Because it’s been a long day, especially with having to go to the police station this morning. You shouldn’t be here at work and I let you come anyway.”

She stepped close, her scent of vanilla wafting to him. “I’m not fragile. I won’t break.” She plucked the glasses from his grasp and put then on a tray. She scooted around him and walked toward the front of the restaurant.

I guess she put me in my place . He watched her interact with the family at table twenty. A little girl about six said something to Cara. When Cara smiled, her whole face radiated joy. Her green eyes even twinkled. The child laughed and all traces of fatigue momentarily disappeared from Cara’s expression. Her plain features transformed in a beautiful countenance.

What am I doing? I have no business standing here eyeing Cara when I have a thief to catch . Noah scanned the pizzeria, studying each employee who had worked the night before. Kalvin was cleaning off a table in the corner. Adam was ringing up an order. And Cara had finished with table twenty and was heading toward the kitchen. One of them was a thief.

He couldn’t see it being Cara. She was a friend of Laura’s. Besides, she hadn’t worked the first time money was missing. If it wasn’t her, it had to be Kalvin or Adam. They were hard workers and had been with him for almost a year. He hated thinking the thief was either one of them. He pivoted toward the kitchen. All he could do was keep an eye on both teens. He would be there waiting when the thief made a mistake.

Noah planted himself in the corner by the soft drink dispenser. He had a clear view of the cash register, but couldn’t be seen.

Not twenty minutes passed when a commotion in the main dining room drew him out.

“Watch where you’re going, lady.”

Lisa, one of his waitresses, hovered over a dropped tray, shards of broken dishes strewn across the floor. “I’m sorry.”

Grumbling under his breath, the man walked toward the entrance.

Cara paused with two iced teas next to Noah. “He ran into Lisa. It wasn’t her fault.”

He smiled at the woman who had haunted his thoughts way too much lately. “Thanks.”

Cara placed the drinks in front of a couple, then made her way to Lisa and bent down to help the young woman clean up the mess.

Satisfied everything was all right, Noah turned away. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of Adam quickly stuffing some money into his pocket while he stood in front of the cash register. The teen looked up and their gazes collided. Adam’s nostrils flared, his expression guilt-ridden.

He slammed the drawer close and spun around, hurrying toward the back. Noah followed. Halfway across the kitchen, the teen broke into a run and shoved out the door.

Noah gave chase. Outside he checked the area and saw the teen sprinting across the side parking lot, toward the street. Noah rushed after him, thankful he kept in good shape with jogging.

“Adam! Stop!”

Throwing a glance over his shoulder, Adam changed course and darted to the left. Noah mirrored the teen’s action.

Suddenly the boy altered his direction again, swinging to the right. He dashed across the street toward the park. Noah thought of all the hiding places in the wooded area and pushed himself even faster.

In the park, Adam headed toward a grove of trees along an access road. He chanced a look back at Noah. Quickly turning forward again, the teen veered right into the path of an oncoming car speeding around a curve.

The screech of the tires on the pavement reverberated through Noah as he witnessed Adam being clipped by the car and thrown forward into the dirt along the side of the road. For a second, shock slowed his pace. Adam lay sprawled half in the grass and half in the graveled shoulder. Not moving. Staring up at the sky.

All thoughts of what happened at his restaurant fled Noah’s mind as he raced toward the youth, his heart pounding as fast as his feet on the ground. The car slowed for a few seconds while the vehicle’s occupants were probably checking out what had happened. Noah couldn’t tell for certain because dark tinted glass hid the car’s interior.

As Noah neared Adam, the tan sedan gunned forward. Noah noted the first three letters of the license plate before the vehicle disappeared, nearly hitting a truck parked at the curb.

Noah scanned the area for help. Empty paths and a deserted road greeted his inspection. Not sure what to do, he knelt next to Adam. The boy gasped for air, his eyes wide with fear. He peered at Noah, blinked, then tried to move. A cry pierced the quiet.

Noah laid his hands on Adam’s shoulders. “Stay still. I’m getting you help.”

“No! I can’t…” The boy shifted, his eyes fluttering closed before popping open again.

Noah dug into his pocket for his cell. He called 9-1-1 and quickly told the dispatcher where to find them. “Adam?”

The teen sucked in a shallow breath, a moan escaping from his lips.

“Where do you hurt?”

“My leg.” He clenched his teeth and struggled to prop himself up on his elbows to take a look.

“Stay still. An ambulance is on its way.”

“I need to get home.” Adam collapsed back to the ground, his features pale, his teeth chattering. “I can’t go to the hospital.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll take care of everything.” In the distance Noah heard a siren.

Reassured help was on the way, he glanced around again to see if anyone else was nearby. He spied Cara jogging toward them about thirty yards away. Relief went through him.

When Noah looked back at Adam, the teen had rolled over and shoved himself to his feet. The boy tried to hobble away, but fell after taking only two steps and screamed when both knees hit the dirt. Noah scrambled forward to ease him down onto the ground.

“I told you not to worry about anything.” Although he was concerned about the teen’s injuries, Noah schooled his voice into a soothing cadence.

Adam lifted a tear-streaked face to Noah. “I can’t go to the hospital. I have to get home. I have—”

“I’ll call your dad and let him know what happened. He’ll need to meet us at the hospital.”

The teen’s eyes grew even rounder, panic replacing the apprehension in them. “No!”

“I won’t tell your dad about you stealing money from me. Let’s just forget that. What’s your number?” Noah could feel Cara’s comforting presence behind him; he could hear her panting as she caught her breath.

Pain twisted Adam’s face. “He’s not home.”

“Where does he work? I’ll call him there then.” Noah raised his voice to be heard over the siren blaring from the ambulance that came to a stop nearby.

Adam clamped his lips together, tears continuing to run down his cheeks.

“Adam?” Now kneeling beside them, Cara placed her hand on the boy’s arm. “We need to let your family know what’s happened.”

The gentle tone of her voice erased some of the tension in the teen’s expression. Adam looked toward her. He started to say something, but instead snapped his mouth closed and averted his head.

Two paramedics approached with the stretcher, stooped and began examining Adam. Noah and Cara rose and stepped back to give them room.

A police officer approached. “Can you tell me what happened here?”

Noah relayed the events to the man while keeping his gaze on Adam. This was his fault. He shouldn’t have chased the teen. He should have let it go.

“I’ll report your description of the car and see if we can find it.” The officer walked back to his vehicle to call it in.

The paramedics lifted Adam onto the stretcher and secured him. They started wheeling him toward the ambulance.

“Wait! Mr. Maxwell,” Adam called out.

Noah hurried toward the stretcher. “Yes? What’s your dad’s number?”

“He’s gone. My brother and sister will be by themselves. They’ll get scared. Please…” He shifted as though he needed to sit up. He winced and groaned.

“I’ll take care of them. Don’t worry about them. Where’s your dad?”

The teen closed his eyes. The paramedics hefted the stretcher into the back of the ambulance.

Noah heard the teen say, “Out of town.” Then the door shut.

With dusk descending, Cara stared down at the address written on the paper then back up at the number on the mailbox that leaned against the curb, propped up by several large rocks. “This is it.”

Sitting in the passenger seat, Noah stared at the house that easily could be described as a shack. What paint remained on the wooden structure had turned a dull gray, and two of the windows were missing a pane while one of the steps up to the sagging porch was broken.

Sweat coated his forehead and beaded his upper lip. Transported back twenty years ago, Noah remembered, that last time he’d come home as though it had transpired yesterday. He would never be rid of the memory. It would haunt him to his dying day.

“This place doesn’t even look safe.” Cara pushed her door open.

“We’ll get his brother and sister and take them to the hospital. We can leave a note for his dad. Adam said he was out of town. Hopefully just for the day.”

“Have you met either of them?”

“His younger brother. He’s come by the restaurant several times while I’ve been there. I let Rusty help out in the back until Adam was ready to leave.”

“Good. Then he’ll know you.” Cara mounted the stairs, stepping over the one that lay in two pieces.

Noah knocked. Sounds of a television competed with a dog’s barking. A minute crawled by. Then another. He started to pound on the wood again when the door swung open. A little girl, with big blue eyes and long blond hair, stared up at Noah. She held a stuffed bear with a missing button eye and part of his brown fur rubbed off in several places.

Not knowing the girl’s name, Noah said, “Hi. Is your brother home?”

She slammed the door in his face.