More Than Great Riches (5 page)

 Tracy didn’t respond. She did not want to spend one quality minute in the company of
Keith Bradford. She pushed back her chair and surged to her feet.

 Before she turned away, Keith circled his desk. He put an arm around her and pulled her
closer. Tracy, he purred, we made a good team. You know you’re the only woman I ever
really cared for. Marrying Louise was just political strategy.

Tracy was trembling from head to toe. Furious, she pulled away from his touch and stared
at him in disbelief. Did he think that by coming to him for legal advice she was issuing a
subtle invitation to rekindle their relationship? Had he forgotten that he had humiliated
her and smeared her name before the whole town of Allerton?

 But she needed his help. She clenched her fists, keeping a tight hold on her rage.
Whatever your reasons, Keith, you are a married man. Please call me as soon as you know
the name of the temporary conservator. Shoulders squared, she turned and left his office,
stifling the urge to slam the door.

Maggie brought her dusty blue pickup truck to a stop in front of the Allerton Community
Church and let the engine idle.

Tracy took a fast peek into the rearview mirror. Do I look all right? All she had to wear
was the same skirt and blouse that she had worn to Keith’s office.

You look great.

Right. Tracy made a face. She clambered down to the sidewalk. Drive carefully and say hi
to Paul for me. Maggie was taking the day off to attend church in Brockton where her
brother was conducting the service.

Mr. Perkins said he’d drive you home, Maggie reminded her. You don’t want to walk two
miles in those heels.

Thanks, Mother Hen. Mr. Perkins was an elderly gentleman who sometimes helped out at the
kennels. Leave it to Maggie to make all the arrangements for her.

Maggie waved as the truck rumbled away from the curb. Tracy stood for a moment gazing up
at the tall steeple. When she was young, she firmly believed that the spire reached all
the way to heaven. The simple straight lines of the old building gave her a sense of peace.

Palm Sunday. With all that had happened during the past few days, she almost forgot that
Holy Week was beginning.

She was nearly trampled as a gaggle of children burst out of the side door waving palm
fronds. The children were followed by a frantic young woman who was trying to coax them
into a line. She looked like a harried shepherd with an unruly flock of lambs. If Tracy
didn’t hurry inside, she would miss their grand processional.

She wasn’t sure of her reception by the members. Three years ago, most of the congregation
stood by her while Keith dropped sly hints and insinuations about her character, but there
were a few who apparently wished she would find another church.

She needn’t have worried. She was greeted warmly with hugs and handshakes. There were a
few who didn’t seem to see her, but she decided to give them the benefit of the doubt.

As she looked for a place to sit, she spotted Keith and his wife in the second row
Bradford pew. If she was lucky, he wouldn’t notice her. She wanted to hear the judge’s
decision about the temporary conservator and the guardian ad litem, but church wasn’t the
place to discuss business.

Quietly she slipped into a pew and sat back, enjoying the familiar scene. Several of the
choir members were waving hello, and she waggled her fingers at them. Rev. Edwards—or Rev.
Jim, as everyone called him—smiled at her from the pulpit. Some of the older members still
referred to him as the new minister. He had only been with the church for six years.

And then she recognized Leif Ericson sitting in the bass section of the choir. That
shouldn’t be too much of a surprise. His deep voice probably reached the lowest note ever
written.

The processional music began, and the children paraded in. Triumphantly waving their palm
fronds, they managed to muss some hairdos among the ladies sitting along the aisle, but no
one seemed to mind

The service was joyful, the music was inspiring, and Rev. Jim’s sermon really touched her
heart. During the sermon he spoke of Jesus’ healing as he traveled the road to Jerusalem.
She prayed that the Lord’s healing power would touch her brother.

After the benediction, she joined the line waiting to shake the minister’s hand. Although
several people hurried past her without a word, a crowd gathered around her, welcoming her
back and asking about Jeff. She felt wrapped in love.

By the time she reached the door, she found Leif trailing behind her. There was no
escaping the chief of police. She had seen him in jeans and a windbreaker, she had seen
him in uniform, and now she added a suit and tie to the list. It pained her to admit that
he looked good in any of them.

A very attractive young woman clung to his arm, gazing adoringly into his eyes. She looked
like a Shirley Temple doll with blond ringlets framing her heart-shaped face, bedecked in
a glittering array of gold—earrings, necklace, bracelets, rings. This had to be Mrs. Leif.
Somehow, this woman wasn’t the type Tracy imagined Leif would choose as his wife—not that
she spent a lot of time thinking about him.

Rev. Jim took her hand and then gave her a hug. Tracy, it’s great to have you here. I
heard your beautiful voice when we sang the hymns. We’d love to have you join the choir
again.

She fumbled for a response. I—I’m not sure how long I’ll be in town. It all depends on
Jeff’s condition.

I understand, he said gently. Leif tells me he’s in critical condition. We’re all praying
for him.

She fought back the tears that were welling. Thank you. He needs everyone’s prayers.

Tracy couldn’t help but notice the long look the pastor exchanged with Leif. Was there
something about Jeff they weren’t telling her?

Rev. Jim continued, Just remember that we love you. Even if you’re only here for a few
weeks, we hope you’ll join us.

The whole choir was talking about you, Leif added. They’d really like to have you come
back.

Tracy tensed. She was being backed into a corner. When she returned to Allerton, she had
no intention of getting involved with the townspeople again—particularly with the police
chief. I’ll—I’ll think about it, she mumbled.

I hope to go in and visit Jeff this week, and we’ll pray for you too, Rev. Jim assured
her.

Thanks. I need that. Tracy shook the minister’s hand again and then hurried outside. She
didn’t want any more pressure to join the choir, and she didn’t want to miss her ride
home. But there was no sign of Mr. Perkins. She looked uneasily around the parking lot.
Mr. Perkins was a dear old man, but a bit forgetful.

Most of the congregation had already departed. Could she possibly walk home barefoot?
She’d never make it in her heels.

And then Leif’s SUV came to a stop in front of her. Need a ride? he boomed.

Mr. Perkins will take me home, she called back.

Leif surveyed the parking lot. I don’t think so, Tracy. His car is gone. Hop in.

Tracy glanced over her shoulder. Keith and Louise Bradford were saying goodbye to Rev.
Jim. She needed to make a fast decision—accept Leif’s invitation or tangle with Keith
again. No contest. She hurried to scramble into the SUV.

The front passenger seat was empty. Where was Mrs. Leif? Instead, she found two young boys
sitting in the back, sporting Red Sox baseball caps. Miniature versions of Leif, they both
eyed her curiously.

Blessings came in small packages. The boys would serve as a diversion from Leif’s endless
questions. He already knew more about her than her own mother. This must be Mark and Luke,
she said brightly.

Right, Leif confirmed. Mark is ten and Luke is seven. Say hello to Miss Dixon, guys.

Hello, Miss Dixon, they chorused shyly.

Tracy had to smile at their solemn faces. And you’re both baseball players?

The boys nodded in tandem.

Future Red Sox stars, Leif announced proudly.

Great, Tracy cheered. I’m a diehard Red Sox fan. She decided she wouldn’t give Leif time
for another cross-examination today. She turned back to the boys. What position do you
play, Mark?

Mostly left field, Mark answered. Sometimes coach lets me pitch.

And how about you, Luke?

Mostly I sit on the bench, Luke confessed.

Tracy smothered a smile. The boys were adorable.

In minutes Leif turned into Tracy’s driveway. She put a staying hand on his arm. Wait just
one more minute. I have something the boys might like to have.

Leif turned off the engine. Take your time.

Tracy hurried upstairs to her room. Rifling through a box of souvenirs, she found it—a
baseball. She’d wanted to get rid of that baseball for years—it brought too many memories
of Keith—but she never had the heart to throw it away.

She rushed back down to the car. Boys, she announced, a friend of mine caught this ball at
Fenway Park. Manny Ramirez fouled it into the stands where we were sitting. Would you like
to have it?

Two jaws dropped simultaneously. Manny Ramirez, breathed Mark.

Manny Ramirez, echoed Luke.

Mark reverently put out his hand to accept the gift. His eyes were wider than home plate.
Thank you, Miss Dixon, he whispered.

Thank you, Miss Dixon, echoed Luke.

Leif chuckled. You know you’ve just made two friends for life.

Tracy tried not to notice the way his eyes twinkled when he smiled. That sounds good. I
need all the friends I can get.

Mark seemed so shy she was surprised when he spoke up. I have a baseball game Friday.
Maybe you could come.

Mark, Leif cautioned, Miss Dixon is a busy lady.

Tracy suspected Leif was trying to shield his boys from contamination by the queen of
crime, but she was touched by Mark’s invitation. I’d love to come. I haven’t been to a
baseball game in ages.

It starts at three o’clock, Mark explained, at the field behind the high school.

I’ll be there, Tracy promised. I wouldn’t miss it. She turned back to Leif. Thanks so much
for the ride. It would have been a long walk.

No problem. I can get away Tuesday if you want to go into Boston to see Jeff again.

Tracy was torn. The more she tried to avoid Leif, the more she became involved with him.
But she did want to see Jeff. Maybe there would be some small sign of improvement—some ray
of hope. She gave in. If it’s not too much of an imposition, I would like to go.

Pick you up at nine. Leif gave her a salute and put the SUV in reverse.

Leif didn’t crack a smile, but there were two grinning young faces in the window as they
rolled away. She gave the boys two thumbs up.

****

Tracy climbed into the passenger seat of Leif’s SUV. It was beginning to feel like her
second home. She spent more time here than in her own house. But she felt a little
uncomfortable, as though she were under surveillance. Leif seemed to be watching and
waiting for her to make a misstep.

 He threw her a brief nod as he set the car in motion. Another nice day. No April showers.

I’m ready for May flowers, Tracy countered. Summer couldn’t come soon enough. She had
bundled up for the cool weather in a yellow sweater and navy pants. Leif was not in
uniform today. He wore jeans and a red sweatshirt with Boston University emblazoned across
the front in bold white letters.

She decided on her strategy for today. Instead of letting Leif pump her for information,
she would ask the questions. A good offense was the best defense.

His sweatshirt gave her the opening she needed. Did you go to B.U.?

Leif nodded. Criminal justice major.

I guess red and white are the school colors.

Scarlet and white, he corrected her.

Tracy frowned. Is there a difference?

Leif pretended to look shocked. B.U.’s mascot is a Boston Terrier. Why do you think they
named him Rhett?

No guess, Tracy admitted.

Because no one loves Scarlet more than Rhett. He managed to keep a straight face.

She had to laugh. You win. So, the great stone face had a sense of humor. She debated her
next question. She had never pried into a man’s personal life, but he seemed a little more
approachable today. What brought you to Allerton?

It’s a long story.

He hesitated. Tracy was afraid he was going to leave it at that, but he went on.

My brother moved here last year while I was with the Boston P.D. Six months ago Val’s
plane went down in a thunderstorm. He and his wife Anne were both badly smashed
up—fractured skulls, multiple broken bones, internal injuries. He paused again as he
jockeyed the SUV onto the Interstate.

Someone had to take care of the boys. I was planning to bring them into Boston to live
with me when I found out Allerton was looking for a police chief.

So Mark and Luke are your nephews? Tracy felt an unexpected lift in her spirits.

He nodded. But I couldn’t love them more if they were my own.

Tracy understood that. The boys were so precious. She shivered, thinking of their ordeal.
That must have been a terrible time for them—for the whole family. Are Val and Anne all
right now?

Leif’s face darkened. Not one-hundred percent. Eventually they’re both expected to make a
full recovery, but it’s going to take some time.

Since the day she looked into the muzzle of his Smith and Wesson, Tracy had tried to
dislike Leif Ericson. But what do you do about a man who had totally turned his life
upside down to take care of his family?

 She studied the sharp planes of his face. He was usually so close-mouthed. When he wasn’t
asking questions, he communicated in three or four word sound bites. But today he had
opened up. Maybe there was some hope that he considered her more than just another felon?

Don’t you miss Boston? Allerton must seem pretty dull compared to the big city.

Leif actually smiled. It was quite a change. But I like the laid-back atmosphere here. And
I do have some interesting cases. He threw her a knowing look.

Tracy felt her cheeks reddening. The conversation was getting a little too personal. She
hurried on to the next question on her list. Was that your wife in church with you Sunday?

Leif took his eyes off the road long enough to throw her a confused frown. I’m not
married. Are you talking about Sheila Dunn? She’s just another member of the choir.

Oh, Tracy said meekly. She had noticed that Leif didn’t wear a wedding ring, but that
didn’t prove anything. And no matter what he thought about the lady in question, Sheila
Dunn clearly believed that she was a lot more to him than just another member of the choir.

But Leif’s social life was not her business. Married or not, he was still just one step
away from throwing her in jail.

They were nearing the outskirts of Boston. She wanted to ask Leif about his friendship
with Jeff, but she subsided into silence as she tried to prepare herself for the emotional
impact of seeing her brother again. At least she had some idea what to expect this time.
And she was not going to soak Leif’s sweatshirt with her tears today.