Starting Over at Lane's End (Harlequin Heartwarming) (7 page)

Gen wrote down Mitchell’s name. “I take it the graffiti isn’t a usual occurrence?”

“No. That’s not to say this high school doesn’t have its share of problem behaviors. We certainly do. But spraying a hate note on a wall is out of the ordinary.”

“Tell me about Kate Daniels,” Gen asked, feeling vaguely uncomfortable. In some ways she thought Kate was her rival for Cary, which was completely ridiculous.

“Kate is an excellent teacher.”

“How about as a friend to kids? Does she get along well with everyone?”

“Kate’s not the kind of teacher kids talk about. She’s fair. Knows her stuff. Strict.” He shrugged. “That’s why this is a bit of a puzzle to me. I’ve never heard the kids speak strongly about her one way or the other.”

Gen tried another angle. “And in the community, among staff members?”

Evan’s blue eyes clouded. “She’s a single woman. I’d say she has a habit of dating men who might be a little influential to her career—school board members,
et cetera—but I’m assuming it was a student who did this.”

Feeling a little self-conscious, Gen said, “I heard Ms. Daniels was once involved with Cary Hudson. Since his niece’s tires were slashed recently, I’d be remiss if I didn’t ask if you thought there was a connection.”

“Cary. Hmm. That’s an interesting idea.”

“Why is that?” She already knew a lot about the man, and everything she’d seen she’d liked a lot.

“If I had to guess who’d be the target of a prank like this, Cary would be just about the last person I’d name. He’s an extremely popular teacher.”

Gen had seen that for herself during the two basketball games they’d attended. “Why do you think that is?”

“He cares about everyone. People respond to that.”

Gen shifted uncomfortably. She for one had definitely responded to him. The way he smiled, the way he’d curved an arm around her when they’d waited for their beagles. The way he’d held her so close when they’d kissed.

Focus!

“I’d like to speak with Ms. Daniels.”

“We figured as much.” After glancing at the clock, Evan said, “First bell will ring in ten minutes. Can you wait a moment? Kate has the next two periods off.”

“No problem.”

“You can sit in the conference room at the end of the hall, if you like. I’ll tell Kate to meet you there when she’s free.”

“If you don’t mind, I’d rather wander around and go to her classroom.” She checked her notes. “She’s in Room 212?”

He nodded.

After getting a generous refill of coffee and a quick set of directions, Gen left the office and walked in the general area of the foreign language department. Though classes were in session, she saw several teachers and students wandering around. Most spared her a quick glance.

Gen spotted Melissa at her locker. Gen hesitated for a moment, well aware that the girl would probably not be pleased to see her after the questioning about the tires. But, to her surprise, the blonde called out a greeting. “Hi, Officer Slate. How are you?”

“Fine. You?”

Melissa blew at her bangs. “Stressed. I have two tests today and pictures for the paper this afternoon. When I washed my uniform, I think I forgot to pack my bow.”

“Ah.”

With a grin, Melissa turned to her. “I know to you a bow might not seem like much, but when I’m the only girl with my hair messed up in the photo, believe me, it’s not good.”

“Good luck finding it. And with the tests, of course.”

“Thanks. Why are you here?”

Gen wasn’t sure how much the student body knew about the graffiti. “Just a little business.” She stepped back. “Have a good day.”

“You, too.”

As Gen walked on, a few doors opened and students, some taller than her, filtered out. Again most gave her a wide berth. She saw Melissa’s boyfriend, Brian, with two other basketball players. All were wearing letter jackets and stood a full head taller than everyone else.

Finally Gen passed a sign announcing the entrance to the foreign-language department. After double-checking the room number in her notebook, she turned the corner.

She saw the hastily covered-up wall, the paper tamped securely down on all sides to prevent curious onlookers. The janitor probably wouldn’t risk removing the paper to paint until the students left the area.

She was just about to take a quick glance at the damage herself when a bell rang and kids exited Kate’s classroom. After the steady stream cleared, Gen poked her head in.

Kate was sitting at her desk, with her head in her hands. Instead of wearing a crisp suit this time, Kate wore slacks and a slightly rumpled lime-green twinset.

Gen cleared her throat.

Kate popped her head up.

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you.”

“Don’t be.” Lines of worry eased as Kate attempted a smile. “Come on in, Officer Slate. Evan warned that you’d be stopping by.”

“I’ll try not to take up much of your time.”

“Don’t worry about it. If you can help, I’d appreciate it.” A shaky hand betrayed her nerves. “This graffiti thing has done a number on me.”

“Any idea who could have done it?”

“No. My classes are pretty cut-and-dried. Foreign language is a requirement. I try to do the best I can, but most of the kids are in my class because they think Spanish might be easier than French or German or Latin.”

“Or have visions of Cancun on spring break,” Gen said with a smile.

Kate laughed. “That wouldn’t surprise me.”

Feeling slightly uncomfortable because of what she knew about Kate and Cary, Gen said, “Melissa Hudson’s tires were slashed a few days ago. I’m wondering if there might be a connection between the two.”

Genuine surprise filled Kate’s gaze. “I don’t see how. I don’t teach Melissa.”

Knowing she had to ask the question, Gen took a deep breath. “But you did date her uncle.”

Surprise, then concern, entered Kate’s eyes. “Yes. But it wasn’t serious.”

“I see.”

Leaning forward, Kate said quickly, “Did Cary tell you it was serious?”

Gen held up a hand. “Listen, I’m just trying to figure some things out.” After several more questions, she walked toward the door. “I’ll let you know when we get a lead.”

“Thanks,” Kate said, slumping back in her seat.

Following her map, Gen made her way back to the stairs, then followed them down and around the corner until she reached the math department.

Second period was still in session for another few minutes, so she leaned against the wall and thought about Cary and Kate together.

Gen couldn’t deny they would’ve made a cute couple. Both were tall and slim, both had the type of polished good looks she’d never cultivated. But still...Gen didn’t think they were a good fit.

Maybe it was just the day’s events that had her feeling suspicious, but Kate seemed too brittle for Cary.

He needed someone who wouldn’t care if his dog got her messy or worry if she’d forgotten to put on makeup or was addicted to burgers and donuts.

From her spot in the hallway, Gen could hear his voice as he joked with the kids. She chuckled when he gave one of them a hard time about wearing shorts and sandals in the cold spring weather.

After the bell rang and the kids exited, Gen waited a good two minutes, then stuck her head in.

His eyes crinkled in greeting when he saw her. “Genevieve Slate. We ought to stop meeting like this.”

Gen bit her lip. On the contrary. To her way of thinking, she couldn’t see him often enough.

Chapter Nine

O
H
, C
ARY
LOOKED
good. He was clad in khakis again, but this time wore a black knit long-sleeved shirt that accentuated his athletic build. Her strong attraction made her uneasy, which in turn made her speak without thinking. “So I may have been wrong about this being random vandalism.”

Cary cocked his head, managing to look her over and chastise her all at the same time. “I’m fine, thanks. Good to see you again, too.”

She ducked her head. She had come across like a bulldog with a piece of raw meat...all tenacity and no charm. How was it she could hold her own in a job that required her to deal with difficult situations all the time, yet she acted like an immature schoolgirl around men?

Hoping to smooth things over, she said, “When I told you that I have a hard time combining work and my personal life, I wasn’t kidding.”

“And here I thought I was part of both.”

“You are.”

“Glad to hear that,” he said with a smile.

Oh! Now how did a girl respond to that?

Cary had a gift for easy conversation and for making her completely aware of her attraction to him. Recalling that her assertive personality had gotten her nowhere with Keaton, she found herself fumbling over words. She also had the uncomfortable realization that she was blushing again.

It was mortifying. Honestly, how could Cary look so calm and collected when she felt an attraction that bordered on all-consuming?

As if he’d read her mind, his gaze softened. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to be a pain in the neck. To answer your question, I don’t see why Kate’s spray-painted wall would have anything to do with Melissa.”

They both started when Mitch interrupted. “Hey, Cary. Tell the students in your next class to go up the other staircase, would ya?” He glanced at Gen. “Your buddies said they’re all done getting fingerprints, so I’m going to go ahead and paint if that’s okay?”

“Sure thing, Mitch. Thanks.”

Quickly Gen asked a few more questions about Kate’s students and Kate’s history at the school before closing her notebook. “I’d better get going. My sergeant’s going to want a report.”

“Oh, right. I’ll be seeing you, Gen.”

She stepped away, feeling it almost difficult to do, as if she was disengaging herself from a magnetic pull. “I’ll call you when I find out anything.”

“You do that. I’ll look forward to hearing from you...about anything.”

His smile, combined with the honest comment, made her step closer. Forgetting about her inability to have a normal conversation and the fact that she was supposed to be working, not flirting, she met his gaze. “Um, how’s Sludge?”

“He’s missing Sadie.” Glancing at her lips, he said, “We ought to go running again. Soon.”

“If you want—”

“I do,” he interrupted just as a group of kids walked in. “Name the day and time and I’ll be there.”

Gen scurried out before his class became completely aware that Lane’s End’s newest cop had a thing for their teacher.

* * *

H
OURS
LATER
, C
ARY
took another deep breath before exhaling quickly, ready for the last mile of the six-mile trek. Beside him, Sludge was running at a brisk pace, looking for all the world like a Mighty Dog advertisement.

It was amazing that a beagle with such an unhealthy appetite could run so well.

The day was cool but sunny. The welcoming rays fell down upon Cary’s shoulders as the biting temperatures stung his face, making him feel energized. After the first mile, his shoulders had relaxed.

The day had been a nightmare. After Gen’s visit, rumors about the graffiti and what was going on between him and Gen had started flying. All day teachers, kids and parents had talked about nothing else. To top it off, Kate had stopped by his classroom before she’d left, looking so vulnerable that he’d hugged her. That little bit of affection had been witnessed by more than a couple of people, including Christy, who’d glared at him for being such an idiot.

Cary couldn’t blame Christy. Hadn’t he moped around for weeks after his and Kate’s breakup, wondering how he could have misjudged her so completely?

Kate’s visit had been followed by one with an emotional Melissa, who hadn’t been able to find some missing bow. Cary had counted the minutes until he could finally escape the high school and find some freedom running on the bike path.

Gen’s claim that the graffiti and Melissa’s tires were related had been jarring, but not as much as the realization that although he found Gen incredibly attractive, he had no idea if she felt the same way about him. Gen seemed to wear a coat over her emotions and thoughts, she kept so much to herself. He’d watched her walk out of his classroom feeling as mixed up and confused as any of the teenagers with him.

Sludge’s howl stopped both his feet and his meandering thoughts. Gripping the dog’s leash a little tighter, he looked to the right, where Sludge’s attention was securely focused.

“Good thing you have that dog with you,” Dean called out as he approached. “I’ve been trying to get your attention for five minutes.”

Cary pulled the headphones from his ears and turned off his iPod. “Sorry. What’s up?”

Dean shook his head. “What isn’t?” He pointed to his worn jeans and old leather tennis shoes. “Mind walking for a little while?”

“No problem.” Sludge happily led the way, wagging his tail at everyone they passed and sticking his nose into every available bush and shrub. As for himself, Cary eyed his older brother carefully. While it wasn’t unusual for Dean to take a walk on the trail, leaving his downtown Cincinnati office before six o’clock was.

“Melissa told me about the graffiti at the school,” Dean said. “Why didn’t you call me about it?”

“I was going to tell you about it later.”

“It was outside of Kate’s classroom, right?”

“Yep.”

“Did you get a chance to talk with Kate?”

Cary did not want to go there. “I did. Everything’s fine.”

Dean eyed him closely before shaking his head. “Okay.” After a moment, he spoke again. “You know, our relationship doesn’t have to stay the way it’s been.”

“What are you talking about?”

Dean shrugged. “You helped me get through my divorce. I depend on you to help me with Melissa. You handled most of the details when Mom and Dad died. But it can work the other way, you know. I could, for once, be there for you.”

But that wasn’t Cary’s way. He liked being needed, not being the one in need. “Thanks, but really—I’m fine.”

“Gotcha.” Dean matched his pace for a few yards, remaining silent, but not for long. “What’s Evan going to do about the vandalism?”

“He called the police. Gen Slate—the officer who spoke to Melissa about her tires—stopped by and talked to me.”

“Oh, really?” A speculative gleam entered Dean’s eyes. Had Melissa told her dad about Cary’s date? “What did she say?”

Cary had definitely liked running better with just Sludge. “She thinks the damage to Melissa’s tires and the graffiti might be related.”

Dean’s steps faltered. “How sure is she?”

“I can’t answer that. Gen didn’t say much of anything.”

“Hey, didn’t you take Gen to the game the other night?”

Cary almost laughed at Dean’s not-so-subtle question. “I did. We went out running, too,” Cary said, recalling how warm and sweet she’d been in his arms when they’d kissed good-night.

Dean chuckled. “Ah.”

“What?”

“Now I get it. You like her.”

“Maybe.” Cary winced as he heard his words. He sounded so juvenile.

“You’re sounding like the kids you teach.”

Cary grunted at his brother’s ability to read him. “What do you want me to say?”

“Something along the lines of...‘I like this woman. I want to date her.’”

“Oh, please. You’re one to talk. Who’ve you been out with lately?”

“Susan Edwards. Last month.”

“Oh, yeah. Now I remember.” They’d both known Susan forever—she, too, had lived in Lane’s End all her life. After years of not-so-subtle hints, Dean had finally asked her out and had gone on one date with her.

“You can keep your heckling to a minimum, thank you.”

“Not my fault Susan talks a mile a minute.”

Dean rolled his eyes. “That’s putting it mildly. But at least I went out.”

“Good point.”

They walked some more, talking about the NCAA tournament that was about to claim the rest of the country’s attention. “I think Melissa really loves Brian,” Dean said.

Cary knew where he was heading. “I think you’re right.”

Dean swallowed hard. “Melissa’s just a girl.”

“She’s growing up.”

“You don’t think...? What I mean is—I have a feeling maybe her relationship with Brian is more serious than I’d thought.”

Though Cary had always thought of himself as pretty much Melissa’s second father, this was one of those times where he was really glad he was only the uncle. “You probably should have one of those father-daughter bonding talks soon.”

The expression on Dean’s face would’ve made Cary laugh if he wasn’t so glad he wasn’t in his brother’s position. “You’re good with kids. Maybe—”

“Nope. Not even for a minute do I want to talk to her about boys. I did my part when she was little—I cooked her grilled-cheese sandwiches and played tea party.”

“I wish Mom was around.”

“Me, too. Mom would know what to say.”

“Did Dad say much to you?”

Cary chuckled. “Nope. Our conversation didn’t last longer than ten minutes.” Recalling how their normally unflappable dad had stuttered during the chat about girls, Cary said, “I guess it’s never easy.”

“No, I guess not.”

When Sludge started panting heavily, they turned and headed back toward the parking lot. “You know, Melissa’s a smart girl. I’m sure you’ll figure it out.”

Dean grinned. “I’ll do my best.” Deftly switching topics, he said, “Hey, since there’s no game this weekend, some guys from work are going out for pizza. Want to join us?”

“Thanks, but I’ll pass. I’ve got tests to grade and a couple of other things to do for work.” Cary didn’t dare mention that he was hoping Gen would call.

“Suit yourself. So...you sure you’re okay?”

“Yeah. I’m fine.”

The look Dean gave him said loud and clear that they both knew he was lying. Gen Slate had affected him in a way no woman ever had before.

* * *

W
HEN
E
VAN
CALLED
AT
six in the morning, Cary knew the news wasn’t going to be good. “What’s up?”

“We had a smoke bomb in one of the lockers. It was Melissa’s, Cary.”

The news hit him hard. A week had passed since Kate’s wall had been spray painted, enough time to make him think that they’d all overreacted to the vandalism.

“When?”

“Early this morning. I called the police and spoke with Sergeant Conrad.” After a brief hesitation, he said, “It might be best if Melissa stayed home today—most of her stuff was ruined. Maybe you could stay with her.”

Knowing Dean was going out of town again today, Cary thought keeping Melissa company was a good idea. But he also thought Evan was being a little too cautious. “Any other reason besides keeping an eye on Melissa?”

“There have been three incidents in two weeks. Each one has a connection to either you or Melissa. It’s a little too coincidental.”

“I have a job to do, Evan. I can’t stay home forever.”

“I know, but twenty-four hours isn’t going to do any harm and it will give the police time to look into the situation and maybe find the guilty party.”

Cary glanced at his kitchen table, which was littered with his teacher’s guide and lesson plans. “What do you want me to do about today? My plans are here with me.”

“Hold on.” In the background Cary could hear the principal speak briefly with a few people. “We’re sending an officer over to get your things. She’s going to leave for your house in a couple of minutes.”

She? Cary had a very good idea who that was going to be.

* * *

G
EN
’
S
PULSE
BEAT
rapidly as she knocked on Cary’s door. Only she would be excited to see Cary for such a bad reason.

Every time she was around Cary, her nerves stood on end. The last time they’d talked, she’d had her professional cap on way too tight. During the past week, she’d considered calling him but had been reluctant, worried that maybe she had misread his offer. Now work responsibilities made her feel edgy once again.

Things would be so much easier if she wasn’t investigating anything at his school.

Gen held her breath as she heard Sludge bark, and Cary opened the door.

“Hi, again,” she said, hoping her voice sounded friendly and not terse.

“Hey. How’d you luck out and get errand duty?”

She laughed, relieved things were okay between them. “Two words—
new officer
.”

“Come on in.” He looked uncertain. “Do you have time?”

“I do. Actually, I’ve been asked to speak with you about a few things.”

Cary led her into his front room, where they’d spoken with Melissa. “The chairs were my parents’,” he said, indicating the two wing chairs by the window. His chatter revealed that maybe he wasn’t so cool and collected, either. “They’re worn but comfortable.”

She sat down on the denim one and had to agree. Not that she was eager to relax.

After a moment, Cary brought her a stack of books and papers, as well as a folder with a set of typed notes inside. She placed them next to her own notebook. “Thanks.”

He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his thighs. “Gen, tell me about Melissa’s locker.”

His eyes were so velvety-brown, his gaze so full of questions and concern, that she took a little fortifying breath.

Briefly Gen gave Cary the details about what they’d found, including a cut-up staff photo of Cary, which shocked him. “I think it’s now pretty clear someone is desperate for your attention. Cary, we need a list of students who you think might be capable of something like this.”