A Love for Safekeeping Page 5

  He squinted. “That seems far-fetched. Let me see the book. Might be some identification inside.”

  Her heart sank. “I didn’t think, Kyle. I left it at school. The thing upset me so badly I threw it in my desk drawer to get it out of my sight.” She swung her arms apart with frustration. “I didn’t think to look through it.”

  “I’ll drop by tomorrow and take it to the station. I’ll have them look it over.”

  Humiliation edged through her. “I should have thought, I suppose.”

  Kyle swung from the chair to the cushion beside her. He slid his arm around her shoulder and covered her hand with his free one. “Look, you’ve been under a lot of pressure. Whether things fit together or not, I know you’re trying to sort them out. But…you can’t play detective. Leave that to us.”

  The comforting pressure of his palm enveloped her with a sense of security. What would she do without him?

  “Try not to worry.” His tender look calmed her.

  He moved his hand and massaged the tension in her neck. Then, shifting to a better position, he gently kneaded her rigid shoulders while his thumbs circled the neck muscles until her entire body yielded to his tender ministrations. A healthy silence hung on the air before he spoke.

  “How’s that?”

  She released a grateful sigh. “Wonderful.”

  “I’m glad.” He lowered his arms and drew her around to face him. “Now, I stopped by for a second reason.”

  He’d jolted her attention, and she waited.

  “Before I ask, I want you to know that you can refuse. You won’t hurt my feelings…much.”

  Her pulse did a two-step. “Now that you’ve set me up, what’s the question? Looking for that free dinner?”

  His light chuckle rippled the air. “No, but it has to do with dinner.”

  She shot him a quizzical grin. “You’re cooking me dinner?”

  “Better yet, my mom is.”

  Jane looked at his eager face, feeling her cheeks sag and sending her grin on a journey.

  His pleasure faded, obviously noticing her reaction. “My folks invited me for Sunday dinner, and I asked if I could bring you along.”

  “Me?” She tried to smooth the scowl wrinkling her forehead, but it won out.

  “Sure…and don’t look so tense. I have to keep my eye on you, don’t I? How about it? Mom’s the best cook in town.”

  “She is, huh?” She playfully arched an eyebrow, hoping to make up for her scowl.

  He squirmed. “Naturally I haven’t tasted your talents in the kitchen yet…except for those great pies.”

  “That’s a quick bit of finessing.” This time a real grin made it to her face.

  “Call me Mr. Tact.”

  Vying for time to think, Jane used their nonsense chatter to evaluate his invitation. On one hand, she felt flattered that he’d invited her to meet his parents. On the other, with Kyle being a minister’s son, she felt like a kid being paraded to the new friend’s house for parental approval.

  “What happens if they don’t like me?” she asked. “Maybe they’ll think a stalked woman is a bad influence on you.”

  “How bad an influence? I like a challenge.”

  She shook her head, her mind slipping from the humor to reality—dinner with a police officer and at a minister’s house. The dilemma was mind-boggling. She fidgeted.

  Her hesitation finally hit home. He eyed her. “Are you letting me down easy?”

  “Not exactly, but you hardly know me…well enough to take me home.”

  “But to know you is to love you. And don’t forget I’m best friends with your pal Wilcox.”

  She grinned at that. “Now, that is true.”

  Jane really like Kyle—more than liked. Despite her reservations, he was very different from her dad, but…. She watched Kyle’s expression. He looked so disappointed, she didn’t have the heart to refuse.

  “Okay,” she said. “I guess I can handle it, but you’ll have to give me a quick lesson on eating dinner at a preacher’s house. You know…the proper protocol.”

  “I’ll bring along a copy of my ‘preacher’s proper protocol pamphlet.”’ He gave her wink and rose. “Try saying that six times.”

  She grinned as he leaned over and placed both hands on her shoulders.

  “I’ll pick you up on Sunday around four,” he said.

  She nodded.

  Kyle slid his hand to her hairline and ran his fingers along the nape of her neck.

  She flinched, but this time he smiled, realizing his fingers tickled.

  “Hmm? Now I know how to torment you,” he said.

  If he only knew, she thought, caught in his tantalizing gaze. “Remember, we have to be good influences on each other.”

  His eyes glinting with mischief, he skimmed his fingers to her jaw, then moved them upward and caressed her cheek. Surprising her, Kyle leaned forward and brushed his lips where his fingers had been.

  The warmth spread over her cheek and down her neck. She opened her eyes and saw his strong jaw twitched with emotion.

  He stayed bent above her and, over and over, he murmured a quiet litany. “Be good. Be good.” Then he straightened his back and gave her a tender smile.

  Like a robot, she followed him to the door, and he left without a word being spoken.

  She stood rooted to the spot, staring at the closed door. Finally she raised her hand to her cheek and crumpled into the nearest chair. What am I getting myself into?

  Jane slept poorly that night, thinking about the Dick and Jane primer…and Kyle’s gentle kiss. Pulling herself out of bed the next morning, she knew the school day would prove difficult.

  When she reached her classroom, the locked door was ajar. Jane peeked through the opening and froze. Charlie stood behind her desk with his hand inside a drawer.

  “Charlie,” she said, pushing open the door and stepping into the room. “What are you doing?”

  “O-oh, l-last night when I cl-cleaned, I saw y-you needed…ch-chalk.” He pulled the small container from the drawer. “I—I brought you a-a box.”

  She faltered as shame smothered her. “Thanks, Charlie.” She thought of no fitting words to apologize.

  His jowly face sagged. “I—I’m sorry if I d-did s-something wrong.” He edged away from the desk.

  “No need. I’m sorry for snapping.”

  Without another word, he edged toward the door and with one backward glance, he left.

  Her heart sank. The stress was undoing her.

  Needing reassurance, her thoughts shifted to Kyle. His presence gave her a sense of well-being and made her feel safe. She longed for him to pull her against his broad chest and help her feel normal.

  With a slam and bang, students charged into the room and roused Jane to action. Always eager for the weekend, her class acted up on Fridays. That day was never easy and definitely not conducive for learning. But when the bell rang, Jane reined in their exuberance, knowing in a few more hours the weekend would be hers, as well.

  Her lunch break finally arrived and she grabbed her sack and headed toward the lounge. Partway down the hallway, she heard her name and paused, her pulse kicking into high gear. Turning, she smiled at Kyle.

  “I forgot you were dropping by,” she said.

  “Forgot? You mean that’s all the impression I make on you?”

  As she reached him, Kyle gave her a boyish pout. The look melted her. She cast aside her unsettling thoughts, wanting to reach up and kiss his full, inviting lips. “It’s been a bad day,” she said.

  “Bad?”

  She motioned for him to follow her back to the room and on the way, she told him the incident with Charlie. “The poor guy was trying to be nice.”

  “Don’t blame yourself, Jane. You’ve been on edge and suspicious.”

  Jane stopped in her classroom doorway and faced him. “You mean paranoid? Delu—”

  He lifted his finger and pressed it against her lips. “No. Wary. Careful. Normal reactions.�
� He let his hand drop to her shoulder and spun her around to face the room.

  She headed for the desk and Kyle followed.

  “Here,” she said, pulling the primer from the drawer, “the infamous book.”

  She dropped it into his outstretched hand. “Dust it for fingerprints while you’re at it.”

  “My, my, do we sound skeptical?”

  His look made her heart sink. She was acting terrible. First Charlie. Then Kyle. “I’m sorry.”

  “No apology necessary.” He stood a moment without speaking. “How about some fresh air?”

  She glanced at her watch.

  “Only a minute or two,” he said. “It’ll do you good. Bring your lunch.”

  Wisdom told her to say no. What would the staff— worse yet, what would the students think if they saw her being led outside to a patrol car? But today she didn’t care. She nodded and followed him outside into the sunshine, warmed more by his thoughtfulness than the lovely autumn weather.

  Except for the bright spot with Kyle, the rest of the day plodded along. Jane looked at the wall clock and breathed a sigh. Only fifteen minutes before the final bell. The weekend would be hers. Even dinner on Sunday with Kyle’s folks was beginning to sound good.

  As she pulled her focus back to the children, a movement at the door caught her attention. Mary Campbell, the principal’s secretary, stood in the hall holding a slip of paper.

  For a moment, anxiety nailed her to the chair. Then, pushing her concern aside, Jane stepped to the door. Without a word, Mary handed her the note and retreated down the hallway.

  Jane peered at the memo. Celia had warned her about her student’s father. Lena Malik’s dad would be waiting for her in the office at three-fifteen. Her stomach churned. On a Friday afternoon? What did he want? She tried to guess. With her classmate’s additional help, Lena was progressing well. That’s all she could report.

  When the bell rang and the last student exited, Jane straightened the top of her desk and gathered her belongings. As she stepped toward the door, Celia swung into her room.

  “Ready?” Celia asked.

  Jane rolled her eyes. “I have an appointment with Mr. Malik.”

  “On Friday?”

  Jane nodded.

  Celia followed her into the hallway while she locked her door. As they walked toward the office, a question popped into Jane’s thoughts. “Who’s the teacher who taught third grade last year?”

  “Dale Keys. Why?”

  “Skylar mentioned him. He said he hoped he didn’t have another off-the-wall teacher on his hands. What does he mean?”

  Celia shrugged. “Dale? I don’t know. He was quiet and didn’t hang around with anyone. Only Larry Fox. He’s the art teacher.” She scowled, thinking. “Dale didn’t seem happy at Jackson. Maybe he was expecting too much from teaching.”

  “Maybe. I was just curious.” Jane glanced at her watch. “I’d better hurry. I’m due there in a minute.”

  With her heart thumping and her nerves on edge, Jane hurried inside the office. Mary nodded toward the small conference room, and Jane drew a deep breath before entering. When she did, Sam Malik was sitting as rigid as a statue.

  “It’s always nice to meet parents early in the year,” Jane said, pushing a pleasant expression to her face. “I’m pleased that you’ve stopped by.” Liar. Mentally she reminded God how difficult she found keeping all the commandments at the same time. “Now, what can I do for you?” She faltered when she saw Malik’s glowering face.

  “My daughter tells me you’re making a spectacle of her in front of the class.” His dark eyes pierced hers.

  “I what? Would you mind explaining?”

  “Oh, come now, Miss Conroy. Let’s not play games.”

  “Mr. Malik, I’m not playing games. I’ve done everything I can to make Lena feel comfortable. She’s a lovely child, just very quiet and shy. But I’m pleased that she’s made real strides already this year in math. As you know, it’s very difficult for her.”

  “Yes, you’ve certainly pointed that out to the whole class.”

  “I have?” Anger sizzled up her back.

  “I’m tired of your innocent look, Miss Conroy. Sitting my daughter in the back of the room with another student is not my way of helping a child who belongs in special education. She should be taught by a teacher, not a fellow student.”

  With her frustration growing, Jane responded like a witness facing a jury, carefully selecting her words and trying to remain calm. “Many children sit at the back tables for rewards, as well as special help, Mr. Malik. I haven’t singled your daughter out in any way. The other girl is her friend, and they work together.”

  Afraid of losing courage, she snatched a breath and plowed ahead. “And I’ve checked her records. She’s not a special ed student. She’s shy, but once she gains confidence, I believe she’ll be able to learn with the group rather than needing individual help.”

  “And what makes you an authority on my daughter? She’s always been backward. You’re prejudiced, Miss Conroy. You’re making a spectacle of her and getting some sort of pleasure from it.”

  Jane’s blood curdled. She wanted so badly to tell him that he was the one causing his daughter’s problems, belittling her and calling her “dumb.”

  “I’m sorry you feel that way,” Jane said. “I’ll be happy to arrange for her to be tested again by one of our special education staff.”

  Malik slapped his fist on his stocky knee. “I think the whole bunch of you are in cahoots. You toss the problem back and forth, protecting each other.”

  Frozen with fear, Jane stared into Malik’s fiery eyes, his face twisted in contempt.

  “Then feel free to have her tested on your own,” Jane said. “You can call the intermediate school district, and I’m sure they can advise you. Or use the Yellow Pages. Whatever makes you confident that Lena’s getting a fair assessment. In my judgment, her self-esteem needs bolstering. Once she has some confidence, she’ll learn like any other child.”

  With the speed of light, Malik rose, knocking the chair against the wall. “I can see that you’re no more cooperative than that other woman. I’d hoped Lena would have a male this year, someone with brains in his head.” He pointed his finger in her face. “You’ll hear from me again. You can be sure of that.”

  In a flash, Malik bolted from the room, leaving Jane shaken and confused. Her tense shoulders relaxed as she released a breath from her throbbing lungs. She had no idea how to deal with someone that unreasonable.

  Chapter Five

  Trying to decide what to wear put Jane in a quandary. Never in her life had she felt so tense about a dinner date. But then, she’d never been asked to the home of a man’s parents before—at least, not since her teenage years. That was a long time ago.

  Though she was anxious to tell Kyle about Sam Malik, she feared it might turn the evening into a “downer.” It could wait.

  After one more search through the closet, Jane settled on an earth-tone print skirt, which draped nicely over her hips, and a rust sweater that complemented her red hair. She wanted to look especially right for Kyle’s folks. Not too prim, but proper. With makeup in place, she dressed, then paced.

  When Kyle arrived, he grinned and handed her a tri-fold paper.

  She laughed at his concocted protocol pamphlet and read the inside message, “Be yourself and smile.” She waved the fake brochure under his nose. “You think this will work?”

  “No doubt about it. Wait and see.”

  A short time later when she walked into the Manning residence, Jane knew Kyle’s advice had been perfect. His parents welcomed her with as much charm and friendliness as the parsonage decor.

  “How nice to meet you,” Ruth Manning said, giving Jane’s hand a firm squeeze. “It’s so rare for Kyle to bring home a friend.” She chuckled. “In fact, since he got a place of his own, he never does.”

  Kyle’s father opened his arms in a wide generous welcome. “I’m Paul Manning. So
nice to have you visit us. Please, sit.” He gestured to the sofa and turned his attention to his wife. “Mama, give this young lady some soda or juice.”

  “I’m fine, thanks,” Jane said, taking the spot he’d indicated.

  Kyle plopped down beside her. “Have a seat, too, Dad. We’re fine.”

  He did as Kyle suggested while Ruth excused herself to return to the kitchen.

  Jane’s admiration was drawn to the large, yet gentle, man, and she wondered why she had been hesitant to accept Kyle’s invitation. Looking at his father, she could imagine what Kyle would look like twenty years from now. Handsome as Kyle, yet his seasoned face was etched with years of compassion and concern for others.

  Dressed as he was in a plaid flannel shirt and navy trousers, to Jane, he didn’t look like a pastor.

  “Kyle tells us you’ve had a couple of bad scares since you’ve moved back,” Paul said.

  “Well…one at least.” Jane related the things that had happened. “Kyle said the classroom and tires were probably just kid’s foolishness.” She rethought her comment. “At least, the vandalized room was.”

  “Well, it’s not a very warm welcome to Redmond. We’ve always had a peaceful community here, but lately I don’t know.” He scratched the back of his head, thoughtfully. “I’ve been preaching on that exact subject. I suggest we all keep our eyes wide open for the enemy. He appears in many forms. Even as a coworker or friend.”

  His comment slid uneasily down Jane’s spine, but she nodded pleasantly, preferring the conversation to focus on the community rather than on her.

  She felt Kyle squeeze her arm. His ability to sense her discomfort was astounding.

  “And where do you worship, Jane?”

  As if her thoughts of discomfort spurred his question, Jane froze. No doubt, Kyle felt her tense.

  With quick thinking, she mustered a vague answer. “My family always went to First United over on Downing.”