Noah's Ark, page 11
“What happened?”
Noah lowered his head then turned and looked at her. “Dwayne says he’s not leaving until Brad leaves.”
“Why doesn’t he just tell Brad to get out?”
“Apparently Jillian’s mother is in there complicating matters.” His forehead crinkled. “He acted like he couldn’t talk.”
“Should we do something?” Emily asked. “I mean, we can’t just sit here.”
Noah chewed on his bottom lip for a moment before nodding. “I’m not sure yet.”
“Want me to. . .” The sight of Jillian’s front door opening caught her attention.
Noah turned, and they both saw a strange man coming out of the house, with Dwayne close behind. As they got closer, Emily noticed the flash of handcuffs on the man’s wrists.
“Uh-oh.” Emily turned to Noah. “Looks like we have a situation.”
“You stay here while I go find out what’s going on.” Noah looked at her with his head tilted forward. “I don’t want to take a chance on anything happening to you.”
Her heart pounded as she pulled her lips between her teeth and nodded. “I’ll be right here.”
Emily forced herself to remain calm as she watched Noah get out of the car and walk toward Dwayne, who still hadn’t let go of the man she assumed was Brad. The situation seemed dangerous, and Noah had no idea what he was getting into. Jillian hadn’t shown her face, which seemed odd to Emily.
She watched as Noah and Dwayne discussed something that caused Brad to scowl. All her attention focused on the one hand Dwayne had on Brad, whose arms were hidden behind his back.
Finally, after what seemed like forever, Noah issued a clipped nod then headed back to the car. “Looks like Brad’s going back to jail. Dwayne said he’ll be able to take us home as soon as his backup arrives.”
Emily felt a surge of relief as the squad car arrived, lights flashing but silent. A couple of police officers hopped out, relieving Dwayne so he could go back to his car.
As soon as he got in and closed the car door, Dwayne shook his head. “That guy is bad news. Everything would have been okay if he’d stayed away, but he’s a time bomb.”
“What happened?” Emily asked. “Can you talk about it?”
“He threatened Jillian and her mother in front of me. That’s all I can say right now. We have some people on their way here to see about Jillian and her mother.”
Emily turned to Noah and shook her head before refocusing her attention on Dwayne. “Is Jillian okay?”
“A little shaken,” Dwayne replied, “but otherwise okay. I told her I’d call later and maybe stop by if she didn’t mind.” He cleared his throat before adding, “Just to make sure she’s not scared.”
“I’m just glad no one was hurt,” Noah said.
Dwayne snickered. “You and me both.”
Noah changed the subject and chatted about the message during church. Emily could tell he did that on purpose to relieve Dwayne of the stress from the confrontation.
❧
After they dropped Emily off at Mel and Sherry’s place, Noah turned to Dwayne. “So what really happened in there?”
Dwayne flinched. “Do you really wanna know?”
“Yes, of course.”
“He had a knife at Jillian’s mother’s throat.”
Noah shuddered. “I figured it was worse than you let on. Thanks for not giving the details in front of Emily. She’s worried about Jillian enough as it is.”
Dwayne shook his head. “I don’t know what Jillian ever saw in that guy. She’s cute and smart. He’s dark and dangerous.”
“I understand he’s an actor, too. Jillian said she had no idea how bad of a guy he was until after she was involved.”
“Yeah,” Dwayne agreed. “Guys like that are con artists. That’s how they get what they want, but it eventually catches up with them.”
“Do you think Jillian will be safe coming back to work at the clinic?” Noah asked.
“She will be as long as Brad stays in jail.”
“I don’t want to do anything that’ll endanger her life.” Noah folded his arms as he thought for a moment. “I’ll ask Emily if she can stay on full-time until we know what’s going on with Brad.”
As they approached the stop sign, Dwayne turned to Noah and grinned. “I have a feeling she won’t mind staying as long as you want her.”
Noah felt a rush of joy, but he quickly squelched it. “She’s a nice woman, but I don’t want her to think I’m taking advantage of her.”
“Any idea what she plans to do?” Dwayne asked. “Mel said she’s having a hard time finding herself.”
“She doesn’t say much about it. All I know is what she told me—that she’s trying to figure out what to do with her life.”
“It’s tough.” Dwayne paused for a few seconds. “I’ve known all my life I wanted to be a cop.” He cast a quick glance Noah’s way. “How about you?”
“I’ve always wanted to take care of animals. I went through a short period when I thought I might want to be a rancher, but it’s tough to make a living at that on a small scale these days.”
“Tell me about it,” Dwayne groused. “My folks have been trying to sell their ranch for a fraction of what it was worth ten years ago. So far, the only possibility is the man who owns the land next to them. Dad doesn’t want to sell to him because the guy hasn’t always been honest, but he might not have a choice.”
“All we can do is pray about it and leave it in the Lord’s hands.”
“Amen to that, brother.”
After Noah got home, he thought about a plan to discuss with Emily. Having her full-time worked out well for him, but she couldn’t go on indefinitely. He needed to find out when Jillian might be able to return and have a backup plan in case she couldn’t.
He was the first to arrive at the clinic early the next morning. Emily walked in a half hour later, Kingston at her heels.
“Kingston.” Noah patted the dog on the head and got a slurp on the arm in return. Then he turned to Emily. “Hey there.”
“Good morning,” she said. “How’s Jillian?”
“I don’t know yet. I figured I’d call later on if we don’t hear something soon.”
“Did Dwayne have any idea when she’d be safe from Brad?”
Noah leaned against the counter. “They’re trying to push up his court date. If he’s convicted, he’ll go to prison for a while, since this isn’t his first offense. Then Jillian can breathe easy—at least until he gets out.”
“He won’t stay out long, I’m sure,” Emily said. “Unless he has a major life conversion, I can’t see someone like that changing.”
“As hard as it is, we need to pray for him.”
“Any appointments this morning?” Emily asked.
“Not until ten. But there’s something I’d like to discuss with you.”
Emily’s heart pounded as she met Noah’s expectant gaze. She licked her lips and forced a smile. “Sure. Discuss away.”
“I know you’ve been trying to figure out what you want to do, so I hate to ask you this favor. Since Jillian obviously can’t come back until she’s safe from Brad, would you consider staying on full-time—at least for a little while longer?”
She slowly nodded. “I can do that. After all, they’re trying to schedule the court date soon, so it shouldn’t be too long.”
Noah frowned but quickly recovered. “Yeah, it shouldn’t be too long.” He straightened up and stepped away from the counter before he stopped and steadied his gaze on her. “Any idea yet what you might do after you leave here?”
“I’d like to do something with my degree, but most of the jobs I’ve applied for want a master’s, and I only have my bachelor’s.”
“Why don’t you go back to school?”
Emily made a face. “To be honest, I’m sick of school. I worked hard to finish so I could get a good job, but with the economy like it is, that isn’t enough anymore.”
“Did you know what you wanted to do when you first started college?” he asked. “When you told me you majored in art history, I wasn’t sure what kind of job you could get with that.”
She closed her eyes then opened them as she offered a dreamy grin. “I thought it would be fun to work as a curator at an art museum in New York or Chicago.”
“So you want to move to the big city, huh?”
Once upon a time that was exactly what she wanted, but she wasn’t so sure anymore. “I really don’t know what I want.” She held up her hands and shrugged. “And without my master’s, well. . .” Her voice trailed off.
“We have some decent colleges around here,” Noah said. “If you decide to go for your master’s, I’m sure Mel and Sherry would love for you to stay with them.” He paused before adding, “And as long as you’re in town, I’ll always have a job for you.”
That actually sounded good, but if she went back to school, it would have to be one with a better-known art program. Then there was the fact that Emily loved working with Noah, in spite of the fact that she wasn’t using her education.
“I’ll think about it. Thank you.”
Noah flashed a full smile her way. “I mean it. Just let me know. Hopefully Jillian will be back soon, so you can go back to being part-time and not have to spend your whole day here.”
Emily felt a flash of annoyance with herself for thinking it wouldn’t be so bad to spend entire days at the clinic. After all, she didn’t need her degree for that.
“Let me know if you change your mind,” he said softly. “I’m never sure what you’re thinking—or if you’re just doing things because you’re trying to be nice.”
“What’s wrong with trying to be nice?” The instant the words came out, she realized she’d snapped. “Sorry.”
He held her gaze for several seconds before blinking. “I’m the one who should apologize.”
As soon as Noah left her and Kingston alone, Emily got right to work on pulling up the files of people who owed Noah’s Ark money. Starting with the highest dollar amount first, she generated a billing plan that would enable people to at least knock out some of what they owed.
After she had a large stack of envelopes ready to take to the post office, she boxed them up and stuck them in a corner so Noah could take a look at them. The next few hours flew by.
As soon as the last morning appointment left, Emily ducked into the room where she knew Noah would be cleaning. “Got a minute?”
He glanced up and nodded. “Sure. Be right there.”
Emily paused and watched his strong shoulders as he wiped down the surfaces with care. Noah was good at what he did, and his clients were fortunate to have him. She hated that some of them might be taking advantage of his generosity.
After he looked at her and grinned, she smiled back and headed back to her desk. A few minutes later he joined her. “What’s up?”
She pulled the envelopes toward her. “I’d like to send out the bills this afternoon, but I wanted you to glance at them first.”
Noah’s jaw pulsed as he stared at the stack. Even after agreeing to do it, she knew it grated on him to pursue collection on the accounts.
“This is just a subtle prompt to jog their memory about the money they owe you,” she reminded him, “and I offered a payment plan so it shouldn’t be too hard for any of them, and. . .” She caught herself rambling. “Here,” she said, as she lifted the top envelope and handed it to him. “See for yourself.”
He opened it and pulled out the paper. As his gaze raked over the paper, Emily held her breath, hoping he’d give her the go-ahead to mail it.
“You didn’t change anything, right?” he asked.
She nodded. “The smaller amounts are on a six-month plan. The higher amounts are broken down into one-year and two-year payback plans. And the first due date gives folks a few weeks to work it into their monthly budget.”
After a short pause, he finally agreed. “I hate strong-arming people, but you’re right—they do owe me for services. I should have done this sooner.”
“It’s not like you’re threatening them or anything,” she added.
Finally he chuckled. “Yeah, let’s send them out and see what happens. If anyone can’t pay, I’m sure we’ll either hear from them or they’ll just stop calling.”
“I don’t think that’ll happen,” Emily said. “If they have animals, they obviously need a vet.”
“You’re right.” Noah stood and continued staring at her, making her feel very uncomfortable.
She reached up and tucked her hair behind her ear. “I’ll mail these during lunch.”
“I appreciate it, Emily.” He pulled his lips between his teeth then opened his mouth to say something else when the phone rang.
With a smile, she lifted the receiver. “Good morning. Noah’s Ark. May I help you?”
Noah waved good-bye then headed for the door. He’d switched his schedule for the day to meet the needs of his clients, which was why he needed someone at the clinic all the time. Emily felt an internal tug, watching him leave.
❧
Given everything he had to work with, Noah was doing the best he could to keep his feelings for Emily in check. For the past several years he’d watched friends he’d grown up with fall in love, one by one, until he was the last bachelor left. He didn’t understand what they meant when they said they couldn’t imagine life without the women they chose to spend the rest of their lives with—until now. Even with Tiffany he hadn’t felt that all-consuming need.
Emily was special. She cared about everyone she was around—him, Jillian, the animals, her aunt and uncle. It was almost like she thought she was solely responsible for their happiness.
On his way out to the first farm visit, he decided to stop by and see Dwayne at the sheriff’s department. He needed to find out if Brad’s court date had been set yet.
As Noah pulled into the parking lot, he noticed the tiny red Subaru. He found a spot then walked past the car he thought might be Jillian’s and looked in. Yep, those were her textbooks. It was hers. What was she doing at the sheriff’s department?
Twelve
Noah spotted Dwayne the second he walked into the lobby of the station. Jillian stood in front of Dwayne with her back to the door.
“What are you doing here?” Noah asked. “I thought you weren’t allowed to go anywhere without permission.”
Jillian tilted her head and gave him a you’re-kidding look. “I obviously have permission to be here.”
Noah snickered. “Good point. Any word yet?”
Jillian turned around and smiled. “They’re still working on the court date.”
“It won’t be long though.” Dwayne glanced at Jillian then quickly looked up at Noah.
“I’ll sure be glad when everything’s back to normal,” Noah said. “Emily agreed to work full-time until Brad’s behind bars for good and Jillian can return.”
Jillian offered a sympathetic grin. “I’m really sorry, Noah. It’s all my fault.”
Dwayne narrowed his eyes. “Guys like Brad are con artists. They prey on nice people—especially nice, vulnerable girls. You had no way of knowing that.”
Noah found it charming that Dwayne was defensive toward Jillian. Under different circumstances, he could see the two of them in a more romantic relationship. It could still happen, but Jillian needed to work through some serious issues first.
“Tell Emily I’ll call her later,” Jillian said before she turned back to Dwayne. “I have to run to class now. They’re letting me sit in on a later class to catch up.”
After Jillian left, Noah turned back to Dwayne. “She’s a sweet girl.”
“Yeah.” Dwayne stared at the door, as though her image were still there.
“Too bad you met her at such a difficult time.”
He slowly turned to Noah and nodded. “Yeah, I thought that, too. But I have time. I’m still in my twenties.” Dwayne paused for a moment. “So, what brings you here?”
“I just wanted to see when I could get Jillian back. As long as there’s a chance Brad will get out, I can’t let her have the key to the clinic.”
“Yeah, the temptation for Brad to come after her is too great as long as he thinks she can open the door to the narcotics,” Dwayne agreed.
Noah took a step toward the door then stopped. “After this thing is all behind us and Brad’s safely locked away in the penitentiary, the four of us need to celebrate.”
“So I was right,” Dwayne said, a smug look on his face as he crossed his arms.
“Right about what?”
“You and Emily.” He grinned. “You like her a lot, don’t you?”
“Emily and I are friends, if that’s what you’re saying.” Noah couldn’t look Dwayne in the eye, but he didn’t want to create a problem for Emily. Besides, what was the point in starting a rumor about even a hint of a relationship between him and Emily when she was likely to leave after she figured out where she wanted to go?
“Right.” Dwayne snickered.
Noah lifted his hands. “Okay, so I think she’s cute.”
Dwayne lifted an eyebrow and pursed his lips. “And?”
“Well. . .” Noah pondered what else to say. “She’s smart and fun.”
“That’s what I thought. You can’t deny it,” Dwayne said, a wide grin spread across his face. “You’re smitten.”
“Smitten.” Noah shook his head. “Now that’s a word I haven’t heard in a while.” He snickered. “Well, okay, so what if I am?”
“At least you’re finally admitting it.”
“Yeah.” Noah shoved his hands in his pockets and looked around before settling his look on Dwayne. “It must’ve been rough seeing Jillian behind bars. I can’t picture it.”
Dwayne shook his head. “You don’t know the half of it. I stood on one side of the bars with her on the other, and I didn’t know what to say. She looked so fragile and helpless, and there wasn’t a thing I could do about it.” He chewed his bottom lip as the lines in his forehead deepened. “I’ve seen a lot of people in jail, but this one really got me.”
Noah felt terrible for Jillian. She didn’t deserve many of the things she’d experienced in life. He had no doubt that the Lord had crossed their paths for a reason, and he didn’t want to miss an opportunity to be a gentle, loving witness. Obviously Dwayne felt the same way.
