Dangerous Legacy (11 page)

Shivering over lingering thoughts of her great-uncle and cousins she cast a furtive glance at the silent forest. Dried leaves were floating down. A few birds called. Sunlight reached the ground in wide swaths now that the trees were nearly bare. This should be a peaceful place, a refuge for her as well as the wild animals in the compound. And it had been until Missy and her brother had tried to put a legal end to Abigail’s sponsorship.

Or until Flint had shown up. There was no getting around the connection. Maggie didn’t think for a second that he had purposely caused the upheavals in her life, but she did blame him for returning and complicating everything.

Maggie shook her head and muttered in disgust. For years she had pleaded with God to bring back the man she loved. Now that He had done that, here she stood, arguing that it had been a mistake. She couldn’t have it both ways.

A sense of unrest tickled the hairs at the nape of her neck. She stiffened. Listened. Nothing seemed to have changed, yet it had. Subtly.

Instinct pushed her to quickly complete her chores and retreat to the house. She might be brave, but she wasn’t foolhardy enough to putter around outside when the next bullet might snuff out her life.

Every heartbeat, every breath, was a divine gift. She was not going to knowingly risk losing one moment the Lord had given her.

She just wished life came with easy instructions because right now she was about as confused as a person could get.

ELEVEN

W
ardens Samson and Wallace were both busy in the field when a call came in to check on a doe hit by a car. It was going to be up to Flint to decide if the injured animal could be saved or if he should put it down on the spot.

The driver who had hit it was more worried about her dented car, which figured, since skittish white-tail deer were the scourge of the rural roads as well as the highways.

“She was standing over there in the bushes,” the woman said, wringing her hands. “She didn’t even try to run until I was right on top of her.”

“Yeah, they do that,” Flint said. “It wasn’t your fault. These accidents happen all the time.”

“I know. I was watching. I even slowed down, just in case, and she still plowed into my fender. My husband is going to kill me.”

“At least she didn’t dive through a window and tear you up with those sharp hooves,” Flint said. “Do you want me to call a tow truck or are you okay to drive?”

“I’m okay. What about the deer?”

About time,
Flint thought. “I’ll take care of her. You’re free to go.”

“Thanks.” The driver was mumbling as she headed for her car.

A closer examination of the groggy doe showed no broken bones that he could see without an X-ray, but he knew there could be internal injuries. He covered the doe’s head with a sack while she was still stunned to keep her from panicking, then lifted her into the back of his truck, where she’d be secure for the short trip to Maggie’s.

Maggie’s
. Just where he’d yearned to go. And now he had a valid reason for another visit. He’d been keeping watch during the night, making the excuse that his boss had assigned him to find Elwood and he expected to catch the old man visiting.

Taking it easy on the bumpy dirt and gravel roads for the sake of his passenger, Flint entered the long driveway to the compound. He’d have been happier if his pulse was not speeding like that of a teenager and his palms weren’t getting sweaty. This was ridiculous. He was a grown man who had faced enemy combatants, yet here he was with his gut tied in knots over a pretty woman.

Flint saw her on the porch, watching, waiting. As soon as he circled the pickup and let down the tailgate, she hurried to join him.

“What have you got?”

“Deer versus Chevy. Can’t tell who won yet.”

“How long ago was she hit?”

“Probably less than an hour. She didn’t lie in a ditch and suffer or anything. When I got there she seemed mostly stunned.”

Maggie laid a gentling hand on the deer’s side. “She’s breathing normally. Let’s get her into a holding pen so I can watch her move. I don’t want to call Greg if I don’t have to.”

Flinching and trying to hide his telltale reaction to the other man’s name, Flint sought to divert her attention. “Is Mark home yet?”

“No.”

“When does he get out of school?”

“The bus usually drops him at the mailbox by three, but he won’t be coming today.”

Because Maggie had begun to slide the doe’s forequarters toward the edge of the tailgate, Flint followed with the rear and positioned himself to lift the delicate animal. “I’ll get her. You just show me where to put her.”

As he followed past the house to the group of pens, Flint continued to probe. “Why isn’t Mark coming home?”

He noticed movement of Maggie’s shoulders, indicating a shrug and probably a sigh.

“My mother’s going to be watching him all weekend,” she said, holding open a narrow gate and gesturing. “Just put her in here and take off the hood as soon as I close the gate. If she bolts she’s probably going to be okay.”

“What made you decide to leave him with Faye?”

“Lots of things.”

Noting that she kept her focus on the bewildered doe rather than look him in the eye, he continued to probe. “Like what? If you were going to move him to town, I’d have thought you’d have already done it.”

“I probably should have.” She finally raised her gaze to his face. “Have you heard any more about the truck that ran me off the road?”

“No. But I do want to talk to you about an assignment I’ve been given.” He turned up the collar of his jacket against the biting wind. “Brrr.”

Maggie laughed cynically. “If you want to be invited in, just ask. There’s no need to pretend you’re cold.”

“I am cold,” Flint countered. He eyed the sky. “Looks like it may snow soon.”

“If it does it’ll be one of the earliest snowfalls I can remember.” She turned back to the house. “Come on. My new patient will calm down better if we’re not hovering. We can keep an eye on her through the kitchen window.”

“Got any coffee made?”

“No, but it won’t take long. I’ll put on a fresh pot.”

As they climbed the back porch steps, he continued to look for answers about his son. “You never did explain why you suddenly decided to have Mark stay with your mom.”

“Call it intuition,” Maggie said.

“Did you hear wolves again?”

“No. That was part of the problem. I didn’t hear anything. It was too quiet.”

“What was your dog’s reaction?”

“He wasn’t out there with me. I’m keeping him shut up in Mark’s room until I’m sure it’s okay for him to run around on that sore foot.”

“It’s healing okay?”

“Yes. It looks terrible, but it’s closing just like Greg promised.”

“You like him, don’t you?”
How did that get past my censors?
Flint wondered, disgusted with himself.

“Of course I do. He’s been a lot of help with my animals. Ms. Dodd has been more than generous with her support. I just don’t want to overspend on vet bills if I don’t have to, and Greg is very fair.”

“Right. Good. So, will Faye mind if I visit Mark at her house?”

Maggie began to smile. “Why don’t you meet me at Serenity Chapel Sunday morning and join us for pizza afterward at Mom’s?”

“Really?”

“Really. Unless you’re scared of the old-timers in the congregation.”

“The only one who scares me is your uncle Elwood. I don’t imagine he’s been to any church in a while.”

“Probably not. I do wish he’d let Robbie ride in with me, though.”

“How far out does he live? I’ve heard three grandsons live with him. That must make it tough to get to town.”

“Robbie walks or hitches rides. Luke and Will are both old enough to drive.”

“I’d like to interview them. Any chance you could arrange it? If I have them picked up and hauled in, they’ll be so mad they won’t tell me a thing.”

Maggie nodded. “You’ve got that right.”

“How about the old man? Elwood. Do you know where I might find him?”

“I used to,” Maggie replied. “Robbie just told me they’ve moved. I have no idea where they live now.”

Flint didn’t have to consult his notes to know who she meant. “He’s the youngest, right?”

“Right. Robbie seems different. He’s smart and pretty sensible, considering how he was raised. If any of the boys are redeemable, he is.”

“Getting back to your uncle. What do you know about his hunting activities?” The somber look on her face told him she was aware of the man’s reputation.

“He’s always been a subsistence hunter,” Maggie said. “At his age nobody’s likely to change him.” She hesitated as if making a decision, then went on. “If it hadn’t been for Ira Crawford, my uncle would have lived a very different life. Just keep that in mind.”

He scowled. “What are you talking about?”

“You must know the story. Ira stole Elwood’s fiancée and his farm.”

“That’s ridiculous. He did nothing of the kind.”

“Ask him.”

“I will,” Flint snapped back at her. But would he? Was it wise to rile the confused old man any more than he already had? The best recourse was probably to ask Bess, if he could do it casually. He certainly didn’t want her to think he believed the impossible rumors that had circulated for generations. The more often those stories were retold, the more fantastic and unbelievable they became, until most folks totally rejected any hidden truths.

Staring at Maggie and noting her set jaw and raised chin, Flint figured he’d better back off before he made her so mad she tried to keep him away from his son. “So, is the coffee ready?”

He almost burst into laughter when her eyes widened in surprise. “Coffee?”

“Yes. Coffee. I distinctly recall being offered a cup.”

To her credit she recovered quickly and crossed the room. “It’s done. So, where do we stand on Sunday morning? I’ll need to know how much pizza to order.”

“Why don’t you let me take care of the food while you and Faye look after Mark?”

Although she seemed surprised, she nevertheless agreed. “Okay. Mom and I like the supreme and Mark likes sausage. No mushrooms on his unless you want to listen to him wail.”

“Got it.”

Flint accepted the steaming mug she handed him and took a seat at the oak table. As soon as Maggie joined him he said, “So, what was so scary you sent the boy away? I’d have thought you’d do that right after the prowler incident.”

“Like I said, I should have. But first I had to admit to myself that I wasn’t invincible.”

“And now?” Sipping coffee for something to do, he waited for her answer.

She said, “I need all the help I can get.”

“Mine, too, I hope.”

When she nodded and added, “
Especially
yours,” Flint hid his grin behind the coffee mug and silently thanked the Lord for answered prayer. It wasn’t always easy to see the good things that emerged from bad situations, but in this case he figured he did.

Circumstances had created a need, and he had arrived just in time to fill it. Doing so was bringing him back into Maggie’s life and therefore into his son’s. The sequence of events was pretty amazing.

And still dangerous, he reminded himself. It was all well and good to act the part of their protector—as long as he was successful. Failure was unthinkable.

* * *

Maggie had chosen a favorite, long-skirted dress with a crocheted shrug for Sunday. Deciding on shoes had been harder. She’d reasoned that heels would make it more difficult to run, so she’d stuck to flats.

That somber choice was disquieting. Here she was, ready for church, family and friends, yet she was still thinking about being able to flee. Her adversaries had done that to her and she didn’t like it one bit.

Well, at least Mark would be spared her angst for a while. She’d made up her mind to let the boy stay with Faye a little longer. Mark could walk to school from her mother’s house, but Faye, bless her heart, always insisted on driving him. Now that the weather was turning harsh, it was just as well anyway. But, oh, Maggie missed him.

A grin split her face as she left her truck and headed toward the front of Serenity Chapel. There was her darling little boy, his hand held fast by his grandma to keep him from running to her across the busy parking lot. Faye waved. Maggie waved back, hurrying.

Then she saw him. Flint had come. But he wasn’t standing with her mother and the boy, he was positioned next to one of the pillars that held up the overhang. His posture was stiff, his eyes scanning the lot as each vehicle arrived, and even though he wasn’t in uniform he looked in total command.

Maggie greeted her mother and scooped up Mark, balancing him on her hip before approaching Flint.

“Good morning.”

He nodded slightly. “Morning.”

“How long have you been here?”

“Since about seven. Why?”

“That was what I was going to ask. Why?”

“Because it’s the best way to be sure your relatives don’t sneak in and cause trouble.”

Maggie had to smile. “The church does have a security system. We lock the outside doors and volunteers watch for late arrivals.”

“That won’t do much good unless somebody looks dangerous and doesn’t get let in. You and I know who to look out for, so I figured I’d watch.”

“Thank you, but I really don’t think it’s necessary to stand guard duty. Why don’t you come inside with us?”

He gave her a lopsided smile. “You’re not afraid the roof will fall in?”

“I’ll take my chances. Everybody’s seen you out here as they drove by, so it won’t exactly be a surprise.”

“True. Pastor Malloy stuck his head out to greet me. I’m glad he’s still here. He’s a good preacher.”

“Yes, he is. He really helped me after...” She glanced at Mark. “You know.”

Flint was diverted long enough to tousle the boy’s hair. “Hi, buddy. How’s that mean old dog of yours?”

“He’s not mean,” Mark insisted.

“Just joking. Is his foot better?”

The child looked to his mother, so Maggie answered, “Much. I took the bandage off to let it breathe and it’s healing well.”

“Yeah,” Mark said happily.

“I’m glad.”

“Mom’s working in the nursery today,” Maggie said. “Come sit with us?”

“Doesn’t Mark go with other kids?”

“Usually, we all come to Sunday school, but today we got a late start.” She arched her eyebrows and met Flint’s gaze, hoping he’d understand that she was really saying they’d decided to minimize the threat by limiting their time in public.

Judging by the wise look he returned, he got the picture. “And that’s why you’re taking the pizza home afterward?”

“Yes.”

“Smart.”

“We thought so.” She started to turn, the child still balanced on one hip. “Come on. My passenger’s getting heavy.”

Flint held out his arms. “I can carry him for you.”

She almost refused—would have if the tender expression on Flint’s face had not touched her heart. When Mark put his arms out for Flint to take him, she gave in and relinquished the boy. “May as well. He looks more like you than he does me anyway.”

As she finished speaking she noticed that Mark had been paying more attention than she’d expected.
Uh-oh.
He and Flint were staring into each other’s eyes as if meeting for the first time.

“That’s because we’re both such handsome guys,” Flint said, breaking eye contact. “Right, buddy?”

Mark giggled and hid his face against the shoulder of his father’s sport jacket.

It was all Maggie could do to keep her tears at bay. All the rationalizing in the world was not enough to negate the guilt she felt for keeping these two apart.