The remainder of the meal passed rapidly for Megan. She took part in the boys’ lively discussions as much as possible, hoping to gain insight into each of their characters, while trying to keep an eye on her sister, as well.
By the end of the evening she had decided that all but the two littlest boys were better actors than most Academy Award winners—and those two were strong runners-up. Listening to them chatter, observing their innocent expressions, she would never have guessed that their short lives had been filled with enough trauma and adversity to overwhelm most adults.
Megan didn’t realize how exhausted she was, both mentally and physically, until the evening meal and kitchen cleanup had ended. If James hadn’t followed her out onto the porch, expressed a desire to speak with her in private and asked her to wait there while he located Aaron and turned his charges over to him, she would have loaded her flirtatious sister into the truck and headed straight home.
Regrettably, she’d been so bumfuzzled by James’s surprising request, she hadn’t been able to come up with one single plausible excuse to leave immediately.
Instead, she’d simply nodded and said, “Okay. I haven’t seen Roxy in the past few minutes, either. I imagine when you find your helper, you’ll find her, too. Tell her I’m about ready to go, will you?”
“Sure.”
She plunked down on a comfortable-looking padded glider and gave it a push with her feet. Fireflies flashed pale green as they rose randomly from the forest floor, making nearby bushes look as if they were decorated with twinkle lights. Frogs along the river started to croak.
Enthralled by the aura of peace, Megan yawned and fought to stay alert. If James didn’t join her soon, the smooth back-and-forth swinging was liable to put her to sleep. It prompted memories of the old glider where she and Roxy had often met to share secrets and giggle over silly nothings when they were girls.
Poor Roxy. Where was she going to choose to live when these two weeks were over? Megan didn’t want to interfere in her sister’s choices, she simply wanted everyone in their family to get along. Was that too much to ask?
Senses lulled, she sighed and closed her eyes.
James’s softly spoken “Are you asleep?” made her jump.
Her eyes flew open. “Oh! You startled me.”
“Sorry.”
He joined her on the glider just as he had on the porch of the old cabin, apparently not aware of her desire to keep her distance.
Trying to inch away without making a big deal of it, Megan scooted left as far as possible and folded her arms across her chest. “It’s okay. I was just resting my eyes.”
“Since you weren’t snoring, I’ll buy that excuse.” He concentrated on the way she was rubbing her upper arms with her hands. “Are you cold? I can loan you a jacket if you want. It gets kind of chilly when the sun goes down.”
“I have a jacket in the truck if I need one. I’m fine. Really. Just a few goose bumps.” Probably caused more by sitting out here with you than by air temperature. “Did you find my sister?”
“Uh-huh. I left her with Aaron and the boys so you and I could talk. They’re all watching a kids’ movie.”
“That sounds safe enough.” She hid another yawn behind her hand.
“I didn’t mean to keep you up past your bedtime. Are you sure you’ll be okay driving home? It’s a long way to Little Rock.”
“Actually, I only have to drive as far as Bald Knob, but thanks for asking. It’s not the time on the clock that’s getting to me, it’s the effort we put out today. You’re a tough guy to keep up with when you set your mind to finishing something.”
“I could say the same for you. Neither one of us would have had to work so hard if you’d been reasonable about taking another cabin, you know.”
“Give it a rest, Harris. My aches and pains are well worth it. That cabin is perfect.”
“Okay. So, what else will you need? Besides decent furniture, I mean.”
“Well, right now I could use a big bottle of horse liniment.” She chuckled at the silly look on his face. “Just kidding. Actually, I’m looking forward to buying some pretty curtains, maybe bringing a few things from home, too. If you can provide a couple of beds and a dresser, I think I can come up with the rest.”
“Will cots do?”
“Minus the mice, sure.” Megan grinned at him. “I don’t think I could get Roxy to sleep there if she thought we were still knee-deep in vermin.”
He made a face. “It wasn’t that bad. Besides, you’re the one who insisted on living in a barn.”
“Storage shed, but never mind. Just do the best you can. I’ll cope.”
“I was planning on giving you a brand-new frame and mattress. I think I can come up with a second one for your sister.”
“Thanks.”
“You’re welcome.”
With a deep, relaxing sigh, he planted his feet and gave the swing an extrafirm push, then said, “I wanted to talk to you alone because I wanted to tell you what a good job you did this evening. The boys like you.”
“I like them, too. They’re an interesting bunch. I’m looking forward to reading their files.”
“How soon will you need the furniture?”
“Before Monday, if you can manage it.”
“I think I can. I still need to run safety checks on the plumbing and wiring. And I want to make sure the space between the rafters and the ceiling isn’t full of surprises, like wasp nests. Once that’s done, you’ll be free to take possession.”
“Sounds great.” Megan got to her feet and faced him. “Well, was that all you wanted?”
“No.” He joined her, stepped closer, then stopped as she edged away. Looking contrite, he jammed his hands into his pockets. “Actually, I want to apologize, too.”
“What for?” She managed to maintain a respectable distance by continuing to back up, even though her thumping heart insisted she was still far too close to him.
“Pick a reason.”
Megan placed a finger against her cheek and struck a pose as if thinking. “Wow. So many choices. Where should I begin?”
“You could start with my general attitude,” he said, half smiling.
“Good choice!”
“You don’t have to rub it in.”
“Okay. Apology accepted.”
“Thanks. Look, I realize I was out of line when I reprimanded you in front of the boys. I’ll probably make other mistakes, too. If I do, I’ll keep saying I’m sorry. But I don’t apologize for taking my job seriously—for taking these kids seriously. I’m all they’ve got.”
Megan found herself smiling at him as if he were a lovable but none-too-bright pup instead of an educated colleague.
“Not anymore, you’re not,” she countered. “Now, they’ve got me, too.”
Unusually alert during the long drive home, Megan assumed that her fatigue was simply on hold and waiting to take over as soon as Roxy was through chattering about Aaron Barnes. If that ever happened.
“He’s so handsome,” Roxy crooned. “Don’t you think so?”
Megan pretended ignorance. “Who?”
“Aaron, of course. Who’d you think I meant?”
“Well, you did start out the day by admiring Mr. Harris. Remember?”
“That old guy? Eesh. What a pill.”
Laughing, Megan shook her head. “Old? You’re the second person who’s called him that today. I hardly think he’s all that ancient, honey.”
“For you, maybe.” Roxy made a face. “I’d rather kiss a frog.”
“Who said anything about kissing?”
“Hey! You’re blushing,” Roxy said. “Don’t tell me you’re finally interested in romance! Oh, wow. I thought I’d never see this.”
Megan gripped the steering wheel tighter and composed herself before answering. “Mr. Harris and I are professional associates, that’s all. I admire the work he’s doing. It takes a special person to face troubled kids every day and not give up.” She paused, then added, “I was probably blushing because I was picturing you kissing Aaron. If that idea has even crossed your mind, I want you to promise me right now you won’t get involved with him. He’s much too old for you.”
Roxy giggled and slid down in the seat so she could prop her bare feet on the dash.
“Roxanne? Promise me.”
“Too late,” the teenager said with pride. “He’s already kissed me.” Another giggle. “And it was wonderful!”
Roxy had dozed off on Megan’s couch as soon as her head hit the pillow. Sleep didn’t come nearly as quickly and effortlessly to Megan.
Thinking too much was the biggest part of her problem, she reasoned, yet how could a person whose mind was whirling like an Arkansas tornado turn off those thoughts enough to relax? Consciously trying to do so was obviously the wrong approach. So was employing logic—assuming she possessed any anymore.
She stared at the ceiling of her bedroom, wondering how she was going to continue to help her sister, and do her job, without destroying the peace of the camp.
Would prayer help? Undoubtedly. Of course, that was taking for granted that she had the mental ability to concentrate on her heavenly Father while most of her brain felt like it was getting one of Bobby Joe’s swirlies!
Picturing such a silly scenario brought a chuckle. She rubbed her eyes. Clearly, this project at Camp Refuge had cast her as a student, as well as a teacher. She could show the children how to properly care for animals and encourage love and trust between them, but the real results were going to be up to God—on all fronts.
Megan could understand how easy it would be to adopt James’s habit of seeing himself in charge of whatever happened, good or bad. However, there was much more going on here than that. It looked as if she was about to enter another advanced course in what she’d come to think of as “God School.”
Self-doubt immediately began to flutter at the fringes of her mind like tiny moths circling a lightbulb on a summer’s eve. How could she hope to show anyone else the path to peace and happiness when she, herself, lacked absolute trust? She was human. She had misgivings, fears. Everybody did. The question was, why was she still fretting about those concerns when she should have given them over to the Lord’s keeping and gone to sleep long ago?
Megan took her frustrations out on her feather pillow by pounding it into a more comfortable shape.
Something told her she’d just been given her first exam in the new class God had enrolled her in. And she’d flunked, big-time.
James awoke to daylight from a fitful sleep, wondering how any time could have passed. If he hadn’t had his boys to worry about, he’d have pulled the covers over his head and dozed for at least another hour. Unfortunately, he could hear that they were already up so he had no choice but to join them.
He got to the door of the communal bathroom in time to see Zac put a headlock on his brother and start for one of the stalls.
James’s loud “Good morning” put a quick end to the prank.
“Hey, Mr. Harris,” the oldest boy called, giving Bobby Joe a parting pat on the head, “long time no see. I thought you were gonna sleep all day.”
Yawning, James raked his fingers through his hair to comb it back. “Don’t tempt me.”
Zac was grinning and leering at the same time. “You sure stayed up late enough last night. So, when’s that sweet thing comin’ back to see us?”
The arch of James’s eyebrow was no accident. He stared at Zac without speaking until the boy flinched, then looking around, James said, “I expect you all to treat Ms. White with the same respect and consideration you give me and everybody else who works here. The same goes for her animals. Understand?”
As soon as the boys nodded, he continued. “When she gets here and sets up her program, I’ll make up a daily schedule. Anybody who wants to learn about the animals will have a turn. But…if any of you cause trouble, that will end your chances to spend time in her campsite. Is that clear?”
Mumbled answers of “Yes, sir” echoed in the cavernous, tiled bathroom.
“Good,” James said. “I’m glad to hear it. Now, if you guys are finished with your showers, I’d like to take one.”
All the children scattered except Zac, who lounged with his thin back against a porcelain sink, crossed his arms and grinned from ear to ear.
James eyed him cautiously. “Yes?”
“I was just thinkin’,” Zac drawled. “If you want me to keep those kids busy so you can romance Miss Megan without bein’ disturbed, it’s gonna cost you.”
“Oh, it is, huh?” His mouth twitched with a suppressed smile. “And what makes you think I have any such notion?”
The boy huffed. “Man, if you don’t, you’re dumber than I thought you were.”
It was all James could do to keep from bursting out laughing. Instead, he grabbed a towel by one corner, flicked it in the boy’s direction with a snap that purposely fell short of making a connection and roared “Out! Out!”
Zac broke and ran, leaving James shaking his head and chuckling. What a kid. A real character. Smart, all right, but as unpredictable as Ozark weather.
Thinking about the boys in his care, James turned on the shower the same way he always did, stripped and stepped under the spray. The first few moments were fairly comfortable. Then the water turned icy!
Roaring, James dodged and groped for the hot water faucet. It was already on full force. Could those kids have used up all the hot water? Nothing like that had ever happened before. Shivering, he gave the taps a quick twist to end his torture and stared at the plumbing.
Now that the water had ceased to flow he could hear the buzz and titter of young voices outside the bathroom door. He listened closely. It sounded like they were laughing. And Zac was loudest of all. Had they set him up? Rigged the shower? Probably, but how?
His teeth chattering, James grabbed a clean towel and dried himself vigorously to bring back some warmth. Zac again. It figured. If that kid ever got himself squared away in society he’d probably do well in whatever career he chose. The trick was going to be in convincing him to choose lawful endeavors. Concepts of right and wrong were hard to explain to kids who had never been taught there was any difference.
James snorted derisively, thinking about life in general and his boys in particular, as he dressed. Making the right choices could be hard for adults, too. He ought to know. He’d struggled with the same fundamental principles of good versus evil for a lot longer than he wanted to admit. If it hadn’t been for a teacher who had cared what happened to him and intervened on his behalf, there was no telling what he might have eventually done with his life.
Continuing that example of caring and concern was a big component of his journey into a career of service. It was going to be a long time—if ever—before he’d feel he’d adequately repaid the enormous debt he owed Ralph Clarkson.
And speaking of owing—if his suspicions proved true, he owed Zac plenty.
Instead of putting on his shoes and socks, James walked barefoot and silent to the closed bathroom door. He listened. There was a soft scuffling and tittering on the opposite side of that door, further convincing him that his icy shower had been no accident.
Slowly, cautiously, he closed his hand over the knob, then jerked the door open without a word.
Bobby Joe and Mark tumbled into the room. The others managed to keep their balance and immediately scattered, squealing and shouting.
James righted the two boys, released Mark and concentrated on Bobby Joe. “Where’s your brother?”
The blond-headed child’s lower lip was quivering. “Over—over there,” he whispered, pointing toward the laundry room.
“Okay. Now shush,” James said, placing his index finger across his lips. “Stay right here.”
It wasn’t hard for James to approach the laundry area without being heard. He paused at the open door and peered past the washing machines. There was Zac, kneeling at the base of the water heater and fiddling with the valve on the line that fed the boys’ dorm.
James paused long enough to stop grinning, then stepped into view with a gruff “Hey! What’re you doing?”
The boy sprang to attention. “Um, nothin’. Nothin’ at all. I was just—”
“Save it,” James countered. “I know what you did.”
“You do?”
“Sure. You heard me holler and you wanted to make sure the water heater was working right, so you came in here to check on it for me. That’s right, isn’t it?”
“Ummm…if you say so.”
Half of James’s repressed smile returned in spite of his determination to play out the scene seriously. “Would you say it’s working now?”
The boy backed away with a shrug of his thin shoulders. “Beats me. I don’t know nothin’ about plumbing.”
“Well, I do. And it looks to me like that valve is only partly open. Maybe that’s why I ran out of hot water in the shower this morning.”
Another shrug. “Maybe.”
As he bent to check the water heater, James said, “Just so you’ll know, in case this problem comes up again, if you shut off the intake instead of the outflow, you can run the holding tank dry and maybe burn out the heating element. If that happened, by accident of course, we’d all be taking cold showers.” His voice lowered. “Understand?”
“Hey, why tell me? I don’t have nothin’ to do with keeping this dump running.”
“No, but I do.” James stood and laid a hand on the boy’s bony shoulder. “The next time you think something needs fixing around here, I want you to come tell me, not take matters into your own hands. Okay?”
“Okay. Sure. No sweat.”
Shepherding Zac out of the laundry room and back to the dorm, James was thankful the prank hadn’t caused any lasting damage. He knew he should reprimand the boy, but no real harm had been done. There would undoubtedly be plenty of other instances when Zac would need his wings clipped. James figured he’d save any show of serious displeasure for a more important infraction.
Besides, he mused, there was no way a kid as sharp as that really believed he’d gotten away with the prank. He knew full well the camp director was on to him. And he also knew James had accepted being given a cold shower. It was all part of the unofficial game they played while feeling each other out, trying to find a common ground without having to give in too much.
James knew the game well. He’d played it for years on the side of the underdog. Now that he was the authority figure, he didn’t want to lord it over the boys. He’d decided long ago that the best way to prove he deserved respect was to earn it by being fair rather than insisting on absolute obedience. All the rules, all the threats in the world weren’t going to make a kid like Zac behave for long unless he truly wanted to. There was a very fine line between being the boy’s mentor and his jailer. That was the line James intended to walk.