29

Not wanting Nick to notice the number of coffee cups, Conrad gathered them from the table and walked into the kitchen.

Zink opened the door. “Well, Nick, nice of you to join us. Did you have a nice nap?” She motioned for him to step in.

Conrad walked back into the living room as Nick entered the house.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

Zink put her hands on her hips. “It means we’ve been calling you for two days and you haven’t bothered to return any of my calls.”

“Been busy,” he mumbled.

“Nick, I know you’re only part time, but I do expect you to be available in emergencies,” the chief said. “And this town is in an emergency. It’s not like you didn’t know that.”

Red crept up Nick’s neck. “I know that. And normally I would be, but I had my own emergency. My dad had a heart attack.”

“Is he all right?” Zink’s expression made it clear she didn’t believe him.

Conrad couldn’t blame her. Trust was difficult for her, too. Probably as much as for Maria.

“He’s still in intensive care, but the doctors say he’ll be fine. I went to the station and couldn’t find any of you, so I went to your house, chief, and then Conrad’s. Finally came out here. I know I have a shift tonight, but I can’t work it. I came back to get a few things, pick up my dog, and get back to Cleveland.”

Suspicion nibbled at Conrad. He wondered what Leonard might find when he looked into Nick Johns’s life. He’d certainly found details about Emily Most that weren’t common knowledge.

Conrad excused himself and walked towards the bedroom. The door opened before he could knock.

Maria put a finger to her lips as he slipped in.

Layla was still asleep on the bed.

“She’s exhausted,” Maria whispered as she caressed her daughter’s hair.

A lump formed in his throat. His voice was quiet as he spoke. “So I see. You must be tired, too.”

“I slept for a while. I’m feeling much more rested. I just want this to be over.”

“Is there anything I can do for you?” he asked. “Really, I want to help.”

She stared at him with her chocolate brown eyes.

His heart jumped into his throat. Those were eyes he could stare into forever.

She smiled and touched his cheek. “I’m fine. Really. You being here has been such a...such a blessing to me.”

Conrad managed a chuckle. “A blessing? Nobody’s called me that before.”

She smiled at him. “I have a feeling that’s not true in the least. You go out of your way to help others.”

“I’m sorry to see you leaving Sunberry. I’d hoped...” His gaze caught hers. “I’d hoped we’d have time to get to know each other.”

“Me, too.” She looked away. “I’m so tired of all of this. Of running. Of lying. Of being afraid.”

He moved closer and put his arms around her. Perfect fit.

She laid her head on his shoulder. “I felt horrible lying to you about my name and everything.”

He felt rather than heard her sobs. He caressed her hair while she cried.

After a time, she moved away. She looked up with red, watery eyes. “Thanks, I needed that.”

“Glad to be of service. You’re going to get through this, Maria. You’re stronger than you know. I think you’re incredible.”

“I’m glad I met you. I only wish I’d gotten to go to that Bucks game with you. Even if you didn’t actually invite me to it...yet.”

“But I was going to.”

She laughed.

****

Conrad cracked the bedroom door in time to hear Zink and the chief telling Nick goodbye. He waited until the front door closed. He motioned to Maria and held the door for her. They went down the hall, close, but not touching.

The chief and Zink were whispering in the kitchen.

Maria went out the living room and sank onto the sofa.

Conrad sat beside her.

“It must be horrible for the Mosts right now,” Maria said, uncomfortable with the sudden silence. “I hope they find Emily soon.”

“Me, too,” Conrad said. “I’ve seen what it does first hand.”

“What do you mean?”

“Oh…um…it’s not my story to tell.”

“Whose story is it?”

The chief and Zink came into the room. Both looked grim. Conrad nodded his head towards Zink, but said nothing.

“I’m sorry, Maria.” The chief’s voice was gentle. “But it’s time to go. I have to take you to the FBI.”

“Don’t worry about Layla.” Zink reassured Maria. “She’ll be right here safe the whole time. Better go say good-bye before you leave.”

Maria hugged Zink. “I’m sure she will be. It makes me feel a lot better knowing she’s here with you.”

****

Layla was sitting up in the bed, her hands clasped in prayer. Her eyes popped open as Maria walked into the room. “Hi, Mommy. I was praying for Emily.”

“You’re a good girl. Prayer is always the best thing we can do in any situation.” Maria held up a plate. “Are you hungry?”

Layla nodded and scooted off the bed. The coloring book and crayons adorned the desk, and toys were scattered on the floor. “Why can’t I come out there?”

“Oh, we’re talking about adult things. Things you wouldn’t even care to hear about.”

“If it’s about Emily, I do want to hear it.”

“I know you do, baby. But remember what I told you about a mommy protecting her child. That’s all I’m doing. I won’t hide anything from you about Emily. I promise, even if it’s bad. But there’s no reason to worry about things until we know for sure.”

Layla searched her mother’s eyes and nodded with apparent satisfaction. “What did you bring?” she asked.

“Your favorite—peanut butter and jelly for two.”

“Thanks, Mommy.”

“You’re welcome, sweetie.” After a few bites, Maria continued. “Layla, I have to leave for a while.”

“Without me?”

Maria nodded.

“Are you going to find Emily?”

“That would be wonderful if that happened. I can’t make a promise, but we’re going to do our best.”

Layla’s gaze was serious.

“Miss Suzanne is going to stay here with you. You’ll be safe.”

“I want to go with you, Mommy.”

“I know, and I want you with me, but you can’t. I have some adult things I have to do. You’ll have a lot more fun here with Miss Suzanne. Don’t worry. OK?”

“OK.”

Maria pulled her close. Her daughter had trust in her words as only an innocent child could have. No wonder Jesus had said one must become like a child to enter the Kingdom.

Help me, Jesus. To have that same childlike faith.

“I love you, Layla. You are the best daughter ever.”

“You’re the best Mommy ever, too.” Layla grinned. “I love you, too, Mommy.”

“I know that, sweetie.” Maria pulled up from the kneeling position. “Layla, if something...oh never mind. I’m not sure when I’ll be back. You listen to Miss Suzanne while I’m gone, OK?”

“OK.” Layla grabbed her hand and they walked out of the room together.

She had so much she wanted to say to Layla—in case she didn’t come back.

She sucked in a breath. God would take care of her. She’d have a chance to tell Layla everything later.

Maria unclasped her hand from Layla’s. Her hand shook as she picked up her purse.

I can do this. I can do all things through Christ who is my rock.

After one last hug, she didn’t turn back until she was at the car with Conrad and the chief.

“I’ll follow you in my vehicle.” Chief Martin went to his own car.

Suzanne waved from the door.

Layla peeked out and waved.

Maria’s eyes filled with tears. Would they ever be able to have a normal life? Or had Raymond stolen that from them forever? She answered her own question, knowing God promised beauty for ashes. Somewhere out of the ashes, a better life waited for her and for Layla.

“Ready to go?” Conrad asked as she buckled her belt.

She nodded.

He put the car in reverse and backed out.

She was terrified. But Conrad was with her. He’d promised to keep her safe.

And she believed him.