Finding a Hero, page 5
When they had made the long walk to Mr. Kendall’s house, they’d continually looked over their shoulders, terrified that Isaiah and his obedient minions would swoop in and halt their progress. Mrs. Kendall had welcomed them, offered them breakfast, and packed some of their shopping bags into a suitcase that she claimed she had never used. Mr. Kendall drove them to the bus station and made sure they had their tickets to Virginia Beach.
Shiloh had tamped down her fear of traveling by bus, trying to show excitement for Rachel. But once they were on the road, she no longer had to pretend. They’d both sat with their faces close to the window, watching as towns, farms, and big cities moved past.
Now, Shiloh’s attention was bouncing from one scene to another. First, toward the animated Tori as she talked with enthusiasm about the Eastern Shore of Virginia, the Sea Glass Inn that had been left to her by her grandparents, and the many friends that couldn’t wait to meet Shiloh and Rachel. It was the last statement that had her stomach in knots. But before she could focus on that, Rachel would exclaim and send Shiloh’s attention toward the window where the seagulls flew past over the water. Neither she nor Rachel had ever seen the ocean, and even though this was just the Chesapeake Bay, she still felt as though the water extended forever.
As she looked over her shoulder toward Rachel’s wide-eyed expression, happiness for being able to offer her niece this experience was mixed with sadness that she’d been forced to take her away from all she’d known. But here, she’ll be safe. And so will I.
“We’ve now crossed over to the peninsula of the Eastern Shore,” Tori announced.
Shiloh looked out over the farmland that reminded her of where they’d come from, and a sense of nostalgia passed over her. As Tori turned off the main highway, they soon came to Baytown, and she was struck by the quaint, homey feel of the little town.
“Over there is Jillian’s Coffee Shop and Galleria. She’s one of my oldest and dearest friends and supplies the pastries delivered every morning for our inn guests. She can’t wait to meet you and Rachel. And on that corner is the library. Across from that is the pub. It’s a restaurant owned by three siblings, all friends of mine as well. Katelyn is also one of my oldest friends.” Pointing in the other direction, Tori added, “And on that side is the town harbor. The Seafood Shack is there. It’s the restaurant I told you about. They always need reliable servers, and the manager said you can come in anytime if you’d like a second job.”
Busy swinging her head back and forth, trying to keep up with Tori’s running commentary, Shiloh glanced back at Rachel again, observing a wide-eyed but smiling expression.
“You’ve done so much for us… for two strangers,” Shiloh said, suddenly wondering how on earth she could ever repay Tori’s kindness.
Tori waved her hand dismissively. “When I first got your correspondence, I felt that something was special about you. After we wrote back and forth and you were able to tell me a bit about yourself, I was sure this was the place for you. Even Mitch agreed!”
“Your husband?”
Tori nodded, the smile on her face giving evidence of the love she obviously had for her husband. It struck Shiloh that as fond of Edward as she had been, she’d never had a starry, lovestruck expression for him.
“Oh yes. See, when Mitch came back to Baytown to serve as the police chief after working for the FBI—”
“Police? He’s with the police?”
“Yes, did I not ever mention that? Well, anyway, he also started the local chapter of the American Legion. The others he’d grown up with and had also returned after military service knew it was a great place to live. They extended the invitation to former military, who didn’t have a good place to call home, to come live here. We’ve had a number of people come to Baytown, finding just what you need here also. A home… good friends… a place to start over.”
It was hard to focus on Tori’s words as Shiloh was still stuck on the cold moving through her that Tori’s husband was a policeman. While she hadn’t done anything illegal, she had to tamp down the fear that he might find her actions suspicious. After all, Isaiah might…
Before she had time to think through her options in case she needed to run again, they turned at the end of the street onto another road that held stately homes on one side and the town beach and bay on the other. Gasping at the beauty of the sight, all other thoughts and the idea of moving away from this place fled her mind. After driving a few blocks, Tori turned the vehicle into the drive of a large, brick, three-story house. A sign on the front proclaimed The Sea Glass Inn.
“Oh my!” Rachel exclaimed from the back seat.
Shiloh simply stared, a kernel of hope blooming in her chest.
They grabbed their luggage and walked up the wide front steps that led to a wraparound porch that could easily hold an entire gathering. The beveled glass flanking the front door sent slivers of light onto the wooden floor as they moved into the inn. Oriental rugs led the way to the large formal living room and dining room on either side of the foyer. A staircase bisected the middle of the house next to a hall that led to the back rooms and kitchen. She felt a touch on her hand and curled her fingers around Rachel’s, holding tight.
“Shiloh, I know you and Rachel are exhausted. Let me show you to your room, and you can rest. Tomorrow, we can go over your duties here, and I’ll have some friends over to meet you two.”
Shiloh’s gaze dropped to her simple clothes, suddenly feeling frumpy next to the stylish Tori. When she and Rachel left in the middle of the night, they’d worn their black mourning clothes but had changed at the Kendalls’ farm before boarding the bus. She still wore the knee-length black skirt but paired it with a white button-up blouse. Her clothes had been made for comfort, not style. And Rachel had outgrown her pre-mourning clothes and was wearing an older skirt and blouse of Shiloh’s, the fit slightly large on her frame.
“Hey,” Tori said softly, drawing Shiloh’s attention. “My friends come from all walks of life and different backgrounds. You won’t find anyone judging you here. In fact, you’ll think they’re some of the best people to get to know.”
Embarrassed to be thinking of her clothing when she’d been given so much, she nodded, a smile replacing the worry. “You’re right. There will just be a lot to get used to, but we are so grateful.”
They walked up the main staircase to the second floor. “This is where the four guest rooms are, each with its own bathroom.” Continuing to the third floor, Tori added, “This was the room my grandmother let me stay in when I was younger. Then it became my room when I inherited the inn. Now, it’s used for live-in help when I can get it. I’m so glad you agreed to come.”
At the top of the stairs, Tori ushered them into a large room that encompassed the whole attic. The gasp that Shiloh heard came from both her own lips and Rachel’s at the same time.
The walls were painted a soft blue with white wood trim. The lace curtains matched the white comforter on the queen bed, a twin bed nearby. A dresser and chest of drawers were painted distressed white as well, and a small window overlooked the back of the property. Underneath the window sat a desk, perfect for Rachel to use for homework when she started school in the fall.
A large bathroom was connected to the attic bedroom. But it was the French doors covered in lace curtains that grabbed her attention and sent Rachel squealing with glee. The doors led to a balcony that overlooked the town beach and the beautiful water of the bay.
“Tori, this is more than we could have ever imagined,” she said, battling the tears that threatened to fall.
“I’m just glad you sent that first letter to me, and we had a chance to write to each other.” Tori looked over at Rachel and added, “I’m glad you got here in the summer and have time to get acclimated before school starts. I hope you don’t mind, but I have a friend with a stepdaughter about your age. I asked them to come to meet you.”
“Oh…” Rachel breathed, her eyes wide. “Thank you.”
“That would be lovely,” Shiloh agreed. “I have a lot to do to enroll her and take care of things.”
“Just take this week to get settled in, and then you can start work next week.”
Hating to put off working, Shiloh knew Tori was right. There was a lot to take care of first. Tori left after reminding them that the food in the kitchen was for them and to make themselves at home.
Not knowing which way to turn first, she swiped her hand over her face, fatigue finally overtaking her nerves about the escape, the travel, and their arrival. Knowing Rachel must be feeling it too, she said, “How about I get us something to eat while you take a bath? Then I’ll get ready for bed afterward.”
“But it’s so early,” Rachel said in the middle of a yawn.
Laughing, she hugged her niece. “It doesn’t matter. We’re exhausted.” She made her way back down to the kitchen, where she found the making of sandwiches. Carrying them upstairs with some fruit, she was pleased to see Rachel already in her gown. They ate, then she left Rachel to sit outside to enjoy the view as she luxuriated in the bathtub, using the lavender bath oil. She remembered the last time she’d had something so decadent— right before her parents died, and she’d used the lemongrass bath salts that her mother used to make and sell. It wasn’t long after that Isaiah declared all frivolous things to be against God’s teachings.
She’d never believed all he’d said, but fear and loneliness could make anything sound right. And for now, she didn’t care. Climbing from the tub, she avoided looking in the mirror, afraid of what she might see. Defiance or terror? Or maybe both.
She moved to the balcony and smiled at Rachel, who could barely hold her eyes open but didn’t seem to want to let go of the sight of the sun setting over the water. They watched in silence as the sky turned orange, streaked with red, pink, and yellow. It was the most amazing panoramic scene she’d ever witnessed. She had to press her lips tightly together to hold back the sob that threatened to erupt. God, who paints the sky with so many brilliant colors, can’t possibly want us to live in darkness and fear. It was this thought that she held tightly to her heart.
Finally, she turned to Rachel and held out her hand. “Come on. We need our rest. We’ll have a busy day tomorrow and lots of new things to learn.”
Once they’d gone to bed, it didn’t take long for Rachel’s breathing to steady, and a light snore could be heard. Grateful the overwhelmed teenager had fallen asleep so easily, Shiloh couldn’t resist slipping outside to the balcony again to cast her gaze over the bay, now sparkling with the reflection of the moonlight. As she looked heavenward, the twinkling stars held her gaze. “Silently, one by one, in the infinite meadows of heaven, Blossomed the lovely stars, the forget-me-nots of the angels.” She blinked as the words poured forth, surprised that she’d remembered how her mother would quote Henry Wadsworth Longfellow when she was a little girl. They would lie in the grass on a summer evening and stare up into the sky, watching as each star appeared.
A smile curved her lips at the memory, delighted at the thought that more happy memories would come back to the forefront of her mind. Tiptoeing back inside, she crawled into bed. Smoothing her hands over the soft sheets, she found it hard to believe their change in circumstances.
The image of Tori’s expression as she talked about her husband stayed with Shiloh. She wondered if she would ever meet someone who would cause the same starry-eyed bliss to cross her face. Rolling over, she shook her head. Don’t be ridiculous. I had my chance at love. Now I just need to focus on living.
The next afternoon, Shiloh stood in the kitchen and looked at the shaded stone patio behind the inn. That morning, she had risen early and carefully listened to everything Tori showed her.
Across from the living room was a formal dining room, but the inn guests had their breakfast in the glassed-in sunroom on the side of the house with the double doors leading from the dining room.
The duties were light compared to what Shiloh was used to. Each morning, she would make a hearty breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, and muffins, along with juice and coffee, for the guests. During the rest of the morning, Shiloh would then clean the rooms and, if they were checking out, wash the guest room linens. Tori assured her again that she could also fit in a part-time job at the restaurant if she wanted.
Now, the patio was filled with a large gathering of women, all Tori’s friends from Baytown and the surrounding area who’d come to meet her and Rachel. Children ran around the fenced yard and gardens. It felt overwhelming at first, but Tori had been right… she’d felt no judgment from any of them.
She was wearing another skirt, but at least it was dark blue and not black. Maybe there was little distinction to some, but the color difference was exciting to her. Her white blouse managed not to appear too frumpy, with the sleeves rolled up to her elbows. Rachel had exuded a mixture of nerves and anticipation as they’d gotten ready that morning. She’d chosen to stick with a blue skirt, but with Shiloh’s encouragement, paired it with a pale-blue T-shirt that had been one of Shiloh’s from years before.
Leaning to the side as she looked out the door, a sight caught her eye, and she smiled. One of the women was a doctor in the area, and Judith had brought her fourteen-year-old stepdaughter, Cindy. The soft-spoken young woman was perfect for Rachel, and the two girls immediately began chatting.
“It’s nice to see, isn’t it?” Tori said, walking up next to her.
Nodding, she blinked back the tears that threatened to fall. Swallowing, she said, “I feel as though I’ve been dropped into a dream and am afraid to wake.”
“I hope one day you can tell me more about your circumstances, but if not, Maddie, the friend standing next to Judith, is a counselor. If you or Rachel ever need someone to talk to, please don’t hesitate to call her.”
“I’m sure we’ll be fine,” she murmured. She’d been on her own too much to imagine sharing with a stranger.
“And there’s lots to do in the community. The American Legion Auxiliary, numerous church services to choose from, the library, and various interest groups, just to name a few. I really do hope you’ll be happy here and make Baytown your home.”
With a cleansing breath whooshing out to still her nerves, Shiloh nodded, and the two women walked back outside to meet more of the friends who gathered, wondering if she would ever truly feel at home. Or stop looking over my shoulder.
7
Present Day
Joseph sat at a high-top table with Wyatt and one of his best friends, Luke. This time, the family celebration had started at the Seafood Shack on the Baytown Harbor. The gathering had also included Millie, Wyatt’s new girlfriend. The beauty had been a Hollywood actress until an accident ended her career, and she’d ended up as Wyatt’s next-door neighbor. She’d already left with his parents and grandparents, and Wyatt had walked her to her vehicle before returning. As close as the two of them were, Joseph was surprised that Wyatt was staying longer and then grinned when Wyatt admitted that Millie had insisted they have “brother time.” Her parents were deceased, and she had no siblings, so she and Wyatt spent as much time with his family as possible.
Celebrating his graduation from the Virginia Law Enforcement Academy, Joseph was ready for his dream job — becoming employed with the Baytown Station of the Virginia Marine Police. After researching his various options after graduating from VLEA, spending time with Callan, and being introduced to Ryan Coates, the VMP captain, he knew exactly what he wanted to do. He had a month of special training for the VMP but had already been accepted for a position as soon as he received his final certificate.
Draining his beer, he signaled to the server to bring another pitcher to the table. Grinning toward Wyatt, he said, “This one is on me.”
“It’s about time,” his brother joked. “You've been in training and volunteering for the past year. Sure hope your savings from the Navy isn’t about to run out.”
“Don’t worry about me,” he assured. “I not only put a down payment on a small house on the outskirts of town, but I can still afford a pitcher of beer.”
Luke filled their glasses once the pitcher arrived. Not originally from the Eastern Shore, he’d been a medic in the Army and then accepted a job with the North Heron Regional Jail as their medic. Joseph met him at a local American Legion meeting. While opposite in personalities, Joseph formed a tight friendship with the stoic Luke, glad for the company of another single man who didn’t have to run home to their wife or girlfriend. Although, it hadn’t escaped his notice that a pretty elementary school teacher in the area had caught Luke’s eye. Might be another one biting the dust.
“Why do you need a house?” Luke asked. “I’ve got an apartment in town that suits me just fine.”
“Man, I need a view,” he replied. “Gotta admit that my view isn’t as good as Wyatt’s, but it still has a small pier over one of the inlets. I’m not too far from the bay, so I’m happy with it.”
The door to the restaurant opened, and he looked up to see Callan and Ryan enter along with Jared and Andy, two other VMP officers. They walked straight to him to offer their congratulations, and the celebration group grew to include even more of their friends in law enforcement. Leaning back in his chair, he reveled in the notion that he was not alone, surrounded by good friends, good food, and good beer.
Excusing himself from the group, he headed to the men’s room. As he left, a server darted into the hall, approaching him. She glanced around as though to see if her boss was nearby, then smiled widely.
Black hair pulled up in a sloppy bun. A little heavy on the makeup. A tight T-shirt with the restaurant logo, S-Shack, emblazoned across her chest. And booty shorts that the manager had probably warned her not to wear. The Seafood Shack was a family restaurant and bar, and while the manager liked to hire young, pretty waitresses who had no problem showing off their figures, Joseph figured that this woman was pushing the limit. But considering her legs and ass looked good, he wasn’t about to complain.
