17
Riley reclined in his chair and dozed for a while. When Calley fell asleep the night before on his office sofa, he didn’t have the heart to wake her and send her back to a cell. He recalled her laughter when he’d asked BJ to bring them supper the night before. She prepared Salisbury steak for Calley and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for him. He was grateful Calley shared some of her dinner.
Now, he watched her sleep. How could a woman be so beautiful with her hair a mess and no makeup? Every once in a while she’d moan and shift positions.
They had yet to hear back from Ty or Howard about the whereabouts of Eddy Fulbright. Riley wasn’t sure Calley would be any help with the case the DEA was working on, but at least it gave them something to bargain with.
He motioned Silvi in before she had a chance to knock.
“It’s the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. Line two,” she whispered.
Riley nodded and picked up the phone. “Riley Owens.”
“Sheriff, it’s Ken Knight.”
“How can I help you?”
“I understand you’re holding Calley Regan for the murder of the vic found in the lake the other day?”
“She’s more in protective custody.” He grinned as he spoke the words.
“From what?”
“She was attacked in Atlanta before coming up here. The deceased was a guy she was dating. I think it’s a high coincidence.”
“I agree. Any suspects?”
“No.”
Silence crawled over the line. It was seconds before Knight spoke again. “I heard a bullet from a gun she owns matched the murder weapon.”
“It did. But the gun was stolen.”
“Never reported. At least not to my knowledge.”
“No sir. She wasn’t aware of it.” Riley sat forward, his elbows on his desk. “Her purse was dumped over at a wedding this past weekend. Plenty of people had the opportunity to pick it up. Including the widow and an uncle she’d testified against in a rape trial.”
“It’s no secret the relationship you have with this woman. Quite frankly, I don’t want to hear about it. But we’re getting a lot of flak about that girl. Some don’t understand why she isn’t sitting at the women’s section of the jail in Ringgold. Others don’t like the thought of a pregnant woman in jail at all.”
“She’s not in Ringgold because she’s not under arrest. And she’s officially not in jail.”
“Knock it off, Owens. We both know you’ve got feelings for this girl so you’re playing fast and loose with the law. I won’t have any sense of impropriety on this case if I have to charge her down the line.”
Riley washed his hand down his face.
“Either send her to Ringgold or let her go.” The man didn’t say another word before he hung up.
Riley didn’t like the thought of Calley sitting in a cell in Ringgold along with a bunch of criminals. She deserved better. Besides he knew she was innocent, and someone was setting her up. He rose and walked over to the window. There was no way he’d send her over there. Lincolnville was his jurisdiction, and as such he’d send her home and assign officers to protect her. That would be a much better choice than sending her to a jail miles away from him.
****
Calley was glad to be back at the house with BJ. Even though she knew Riley was only trying to protect her, the idea of being in jail gave her the willies. Whereas, at the house, BJ spoiled her and looked after her. And the larger she got, the harder it was to do things for herself, like tie her own shoes. It also felt good to have Riley near her. She glanced over at him and smiled as she recalled their kiss at the jail.
“Are you sure you’ve had enough to eat?” BJ stood near the door on the front porch.
“I’m sure. You’re going to keep going until I’m as wide as I am tall.”
BJ took the pie plates and walked inside the house. Riley and Calley remained seated on the outside porch swing.
“You should know by now, no one goes hungry on BJ’s watch.” Riley had his arm around Calley on the back of the swing.
“I know. It wouldn’t be so bad for me if the food wasn’t so good. I just want to eat as much as I can stuff into my face. Which, these days, is quite a bit.”
“I guess I need to be heading back to work. You need to get inside.”
She longed to sit in the sun all day, but Riley gave strict orders she wasn’t to go outside without him. “Umph.” The baby kicked inside her belly. She placed her hand on her stomach as the baby moved. “I think he enjoyed that meal, also.”
“I read somewhere that they get more active, because they’re turning into position to come out.”
“Must be getting close.” She laughed. “He’s going to town in there.”
Calley took Riley’s hand and placed it against her stomach. The baby gave him a good nudge.
“That’s amazing.”
A smile remained as he kept his hand in place for a few seconds then moved it to her face. Their lips met and heat seeped into her. She knew it had nothing to do with the weather.
He leaned his head against hers and drew in a loud breath. “I don’t know how you did it, Calley Regan. But you definitely got hold of me good.”
“It was my ploy when I first threw up on you.”
Riley laughed out loud. “Like I said, I need to go to work, and you in the house.” He stood and held his hand out for her to take, so he could help her from the swing. “I’ll see you at dinner.”
“I look forward to it.”
He kissed her cheek and guided her through the front door. As tough as it was sitting in the house all day, she could handle it knowing Riley would return later. The thought of his arms around her made her heart warm.
“You’ve definitely got hold of me, too, Riley Owens.”
****
The day dragged on as Calley anticipated seeing Riley again. It felt good to know he seemed as interested in her as she was him.
“Girl, you haven’t taken that smile off your face all day.” BJ made gravy for the stew while Calley peeled carrots in the sink. “Does it have anything to do with that kiss I saw earlier?”
Calley’s face warmed. “What kiss?” She couldn’t help but grin.
“What kiss? You mean there’s been more than one?”
“I really like him, you know.”
“He cares very much for you.”
“I hope so. I’m just afraid once he thinks about all this,” she swept her hand around her belly, “he’ll realize what a mistake he might be making.”
BJ put down the whisk. “What is it you believe he needs to think about?”
“He’s getting a lot of baggage with me. If he wants a lifetime, he needs to realize I’m an instant family.”
“That boy knows you’ve got a child coming. I think at times he’s as excited as I am, though he doesn’t show it.” BJ placed an arm around Calley’s shoulder. “Are you telling me you’d like a lifetime with Riley?”
Calley stopped peeling. She hadn’t really thought that hard about their relationship. It just felt right having his arm around her and being with him in this house. “I’m not sure. I’ve never had much luck with men. Maybe it’s more wanting someone to care for me. I didn’t feel like I was loved much as a kid. Always in Allison’s shadow and such.”
“Well, you’re definitely loved here.” BJ gave her a squeeze. “But I want you to ask yourself a question. You don’t have to answer out loud. But if Riley were to walk off tomorrow, just walk right on out of your life, how would you feel?”
Calley thought about the question for a good minute. Only one word came to her mind. “Devastated,” she whispered.
BJ returned to Calley’s side from the stove. “Sounds like love to me.” She kissed the side of Calley’s head.
Calley’s eyes misted over. Yes, she did love Riley.
They stood that way for what seemed like minutes until a car door slammed out front. Calley’s stomach jumped with excitement. Riley. It was only a little after three. He was early.
“Oh, phooey.” BJ said, turning and looking out the window. “It’s that old coot, James Newman, III.”
****
“Any word from Ty Davenport?” Riley asked Silvi after he returned from a call.
“Nothing. But you have a visitor.” She used her head to point at Marylou Tyson.
Riley was in too good of a mood to groan. “Marylou, what can I do for you?”
“I thought I’d stop by and see how you were holding up.”
Riley directed her to his office. “I’m doing just fine. What made you think I wouldn’t be?”
He kept the door open though he noticed her perfume wasn’t as harsh as usual. She took a chair in front of his desk. He sat on the opposite side.
“I heard about Calley getting arrested. I knew you were kind of sweet on her. It must be hard to have to put someone in jail you care for.” Marylou shook her head. “I can’t believe she killed that man. It just goes to show, you never really know someone.”
“Good news. She’s no longer in jail.” Riley hoped his face didn’t show the smugness he felt. “In fact, we have two other suspects in line ahead of her for the murder.”
“Oh? Well, good.” Marylou’s voice betrayed her true feelings.
Riley had never done anything to make Marylou think he thought of her as anything other than a friend. Yet, her being hurt by his actions, real or imagined, caused him guilt. He never intended to hurt her or anyone else. He would have to find a way to put it right. Calley, being a woman, might have a suggestion.
“Let me ask you something,” he said. “During the wedding, when Calley almost passed out, did you see anyone gather anything that had dropped from her purse?”
“No. Why?”
“Apparently she had a gun in her purse, and after the wedding it was gone.”
“Are you sure?”
“What do you mean?”
“Riley, it’s obvious you’ve got feelings for this woman. I’d just hate to see you get hurt. What if she just said she lost the gun, but she really had it all along?”
****
Calley stood behind BJ as she greeted James Newman, III. BJ had refused to allow him entrance into the house. He reeked arrogance with his straight shoulders and head held high. It was a wonder he didn’t drown in a rainstorm with his nose that far in the air.
“I’m not trying to push you into anything. I just want you to consider what I can do for a child.”
“What do you think you can give a child that Calley can’t?” BJ had yet to unclench her jaw.
“I’ve got money to send him to the best schools in the area. There’s a wonderful Christian school in Chattanooga. Being retired, I can give him all the time in the world. Take him fishing, out to ballgames. Give him good quality time.”
“A lot of boys turn out good, even in working families,” Calley said.
“I understand that. But right now, you don’t have a husband. You only have friends who are willing to help. How long do you think it’ll last until they get tired of taking care of someone else’s baby? And with this murder hanging over your head.” He shrugged and held his hands palms up.
“You arrogant …” BJ took a step toward him. “Get off my porch. This is no longer up for discussion.”
James turned, walked to the first step then hesitated. He looked back at Calley. “I don’t want to push you into anything you don’t want to do. But you should consider the fact that no matter what, boys raised by single mothers have a hard time becoming men. And right now, you don’t even have a job.”
Calley swallowed hard. She knew he was right. It often took a strong woman with a firm hand to keep a boy from going bad. Did she have that type of strength?
“Now don’t you worry about what that man had to say. You’ll make a wonderful mother.”
“Are you sure?”
“I’m positive. What a child needs more than a two-parent home is a lot of love. This one will be covered with it.”
“I know. Thank you for protecting me from that vile man.” Calley growled the last part. It was nice to have someone so caring in her life. “But he is right about one thing. I don’t have a job.” An idea hit and she straightened. Maybe Sheryl could help her with that.
****
Riley heard the guitar before he opened the door. A smile instantly crossed his face. Marylou’s words had resonated with him the rest of the day. But now that he was home, and so near to Calley, he knew deep in his heart she hadn’t killed anyone.
BJ was in the kitchen fixing dinner. He walked up and gave her a one-armed hug. “How’s my favorite aunt?”
“What did you do? The only time you’ve ever been this affectionate is when you want something.” BJ pushed back away from him.
“It’s just my way of saying thanks for taking me in all those years ago.”
“Right. You’re home early. Dinner won’t be ready for another hour.”
“Things were quiet.”
“They’ve been quiet before. That never sent you home this soon. I have a feeling it’s got something to do with that girl in the other room.”
“Maybe.” He didn’t bother to hide his good mood.
“If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were in love.” She shook her head. Her grin grew, and her eyes shined. “I’m so happy.”
“Sounds like Calley’s in the back.”
“Yeah. We got us a visit from James Newman, the third.” BJ spoke with a haughty tone. “Mr. High and Mighty. I wish God would shock him once with a lightning bolt to show him he’s not the great Christian man he thinks he is.”
Riley’s mood shifted from one of happiness to anger. “Is Calley all right?”
“Oh, she’s fine. I just think people like that get her to thinking she’s not good enough.”
Riley walked back to Calley’s room. She had the guitar on her side as she played. He stood in the doorway and watched her.
“Welcome home, Sheriff,” she said. “As you can see, I’ve gotten too big to hold the guitar on my lap.”
His good mood returned upon seeing the sparkle in her eyes. He walked in and sat on the edge of her bed. “I understand you had a visit today from Old-Stick-in-the-Mud?”
“No. That’s you. According to BJ, he’s Mr. High and Mighty.”
“I guess I deserve that. I’m trying to change my nickname.” He pushed her hair to the side. “Are you all right?”
“I’m doing good. Just wondering what type of mother I’ll be. If I recall, someone once called me a flake.” She raised her eyebrows at him.
Riley leaned over and kissed her cheek. “I think you’ll be a wonderful mother. One who would not only care deeply for her children, but show them exactly what it takes to have fun.”
“Thank you.”
“How about going for a ride?”
“Okay.” She scooted off the bed.
“Let me change first then we’ll head out.” He walked to his room and removed his holster and tie. Excitement reared at being on the bike. It had taken years to repair, and now it was a job come to full fruition. He led Calley to the garage.
“You mean on the motorcycle?
“It’s too beautiful of an evening to waste inside a car.”
“Do you think it’s safe? For the baby, I mean.”
“I don’t see why not. Just get the best grip you can, and hold on tight. If you get worried, let me know.”
Riley handed Calley a helmet and pulled the Yamaha out of the garage. She climbed on behind him after he started it. Her hold was natural. She must have ridden before. Her belly felt like a basketball between them. Heat engulfed him when he imagined how nice it would be to have her hold on once they no longer had the baby between them.
He drove for a little over twenty minutes before he killed the engine at the top of the mountain. The view was amazing with the water as the lake swallowed the orange sun. He had his arm around Calley’s waist. The last time she’d seen the lake it had been something menacing, something ugly as it released Peter’s body.
“I wanted you to have a different view of the lake than the one you had the other day.”
“It’s lovely.” She looked up at him. “Thank you for letting me be the first person you gave a ride to.”
“You’re the only one I want behind me.” He lowered his lips to hers. It didn’t take much for him to know BJ was right. As hard as he’d fought it, he’d fallen in love.