Threat of Darkness(11)

 “Sure. All I have to do is figure out who wanted me to butt out of their business. Piece of cake.”

 He turned and leaned against the edge of the counter, crossing his arms over his chest. “I just had a thought.”

 “If it means I’ll have to quit defending kids and keep my mouth shut when I see a problem, forget it.”

 “Nothing of the kind. I was just thinking about maybe keeping an eye on Danny and his family—in a casual way, of course.”

 “How do you propose to do that? You don’t even know what they look like.”

 “No, but you do. What church does Dr. Weiss go to these days? Seems to me I used to see him at Serenity Chapel when I still lived around here.”

 It was Samantha’s turn to scowl. “Oh, no, you don’t. You’re not going to coerce me into going to church again. I told you I gave that up.”

 “You won’t reconsider? Not even for Danny’s sake?”

 “That’s cheating, Waltham. You know I’d do just about anything to protect kids.”

 “Sure do. So, is it a date or do you have to work this coming weekend?”

 Disgusted at the way she’d walked right into his verbal trap, Samantha made a face. “No date. But I will consider going since I’m not on duty. For Danny’s sake.”

 “Of course.”

 Judging by the way John was beaming he was more than satisfied. Well, let him gloat. Even if she did give in and attend a Sunday service or two, that wouldn’t change anything between them.

 It wouldn’t change anything between her and God, either, Samantha told herself. She had prayed and prayed for the Lord to intervene and keep John from abandoning her and what had happened? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. John had packed up and headed for Texas as if her feelings, her tears, hadn’t mattered to him one little bit.

 Was she giving the obstinate man too much of a place in her current affairs? She did need an ally. And he was the only person who seemed to believe her. Therefore, she could not, in good conscience, dismiss his offer of assistance. What she could do, would do, was keep her emotional distance from him. Beginning now.

 “If I do decide to go back to church—and I’m not saying I will—it’ll be by myself. The last thing I want is for people to think of us as a couple again. It’s taken me years to get them to stop asking how you are. As if I knew.”

 “I did email and send you updates after I left,” he countered.

 “For a few months.”

 “You never answered me. Not once. What did you expect me to do?”

 She wasn’t about to tell him that every time she’d gotten a message from him, it had sent her formerly upbeat mood sinking into a bottomless pit of despair and self-pity. In a way, it had been a relief when he’d stopped trying to communicate.

 “I didn’t expect anything,” Samantha said. “You made yourself perfectly clear when you decided to leave.” Although she knew her words had an argumentative edge she didn’t seem to be able to control herself. It was as if John brought out both the best and the worst in her.

 It was a definite relief when he smiled again instead of joining the quarrel and said, “Speaking of leaving…”

 Samantha was instantly contrite. “Thank you for looking out for me tonight. I guess I didn’t sound grateful just now but I am. Really.”

 “I know.” He paused and bent to pet Brutus who promptly plopped down and rolled over to beg for a tummy rub.

 “Apparently, so is my dog,” she quipped. “I’m surprised he remembered you after such a long time.”

 “Hey, we were good buddies,” John said, straightening and pulling his jacket on before reaching into his pocket and handing her a generic police department card. “My private cell number is on the back. If you have any more problems, call me.”

 “I keep telling you I can take care of myself. I’ve been doing it for a long time.”

 “Yes, but you didn’t have a prowler leaving threatening notes on your door or a purse snatcher grabbing you.” His eyes narrowed. “You don’t see any connection, do you, Sam?”

 “Of course not.” Loath to admit she might actually need help someday, she nevertheless accepted the card.

 “Do you have a cell phone?” he asked.

 “I did, until this afternoon when Bobby Joe made me drop it. I’ll get another one ASAP.”

 “When you do, I want that number.”

 Facing him, hands on her hips, she shook her head slowly. “You’re really getting bossy. You of all people ought to know that approach doesn’t work with me.”