Love Inspired January 2014 - Bundle 2 of 2: Bayou Sweetheart\The Firefighter's New Family\Season of Redemption (52 page)

“Ma'am. When was the last time either of you had contact with Karl?”

“I talked to him last night,” Kellie said.

“I saw him this morning, before I left for church,” Ryan answered. “There was a note on my counter when I got back. That's why I called.”

“Can I see this note?”

Kellie handed it over.

The deputy read it then looked at both of them. “Is there any reason why this guy might go after his kids?”

“Their mother put the kibosh on seeing them,” Ryan said. He never should have agreed to Karl volunteering there until he knew the guy better. Until he knew he could be trusted.

Kellie gave him a sharp look. “My brother has a history of drug addiction, and he's never been a father to his girls. Recently, he finished a treatment program and came here hoping to see my nieces and make amends to their mother. Karl helped out at the Church Hammer house being built for my sister-in-law.”

Deputy Williams jotted down some notes. “Why did your sister-in-law stop Karl from seeing his kids?”

“Because Karl wanted the girls to know that he was their father and Dorrie didn't. She told him not to come back.” Kellie's voice sounded calm, but her eyes looked wild with fear.

“And when was this?”

“Yesterday.” Kellie and Ryan both answered.

The deputy looked at Ryan. “You were there, too?”

“Yeah.”

“Karl seemed like he'd finally gotten his act together,” Kellie said. “He was seeing a sponsor and I thought this time, he might stick around.”

The deputy paused in writing. “So he's taken off before?”

“All the time,” Kellie said.

Ryan watched Deputy Williams's features relax a little. Had he called the officer out on a wild-goose chase?

The deputy's two-way radio crackled to life. He picked up and nodded a few times and then clicked it off. “Your sister-in-law and her girls are fine. They're home. We're going to keep them under surveillance though.”

Kellie's eyes widened. “Are you sure that's necessary? My brother's not a threat. Why would he be after all this time?”

“Hard to say ma'am.”

Kellie's cell phone rang and she checked the screen. “That's Dorrie. Do you mind if I take this?”

The deputy officer nodded. “Go ahead.”

Ryan watched Kellie step away from them. He heard her tell Dorrie to calm down and then she explained what was going on, that he'd called the county sheriff's office. Ryan felt like a heel. Had he freaked everyone out for nothing?

He looked at the deputy. “So, now what?”

“Give me a description of this guy and then we'll wait and see what happens.”

“Do you have an email? He's in some pictures I took of construction.”

The officer handed Ryan a business card. Ryan grabbed his phone and whipped off the attachment while he gave as much information as he could about Karl and the car he drove. He glanced at Kellie. She paced while she was on the phone. That nervous energy of hers was far from confident. She didn't know what to expect from her brother either.

The officer rose from the couch. “Call me if something comes up.”

“Yeah, thanks.” Ryan shook the deputy's hand feeling like he'd made a mountain out of molehill.

From the sounds of Kellie's conversation, Dorrie wasn't too happy with his actions either. He prayed he was wrong, but something still chafed inside. And then his stomach turned as he remembered his trash and the meds he'd thrown away.

He looked at the deputy. “I'll walk you out. There's something I need to check before you leave, okay?”

The officer cocked his head. “What's up?”

Ryan nodded for the door. He grabbed his coat hanging on a hook and glanced at Kellie again. She didn't look like she'd end the call anytime soon.

Good.

He followed the deputy to his car. “Don't leave just yet. There's something I threw away that I hope is still there.”

Deputy Williams nodded. “I'm right here filling out my report.”

Ryan walked to the end of his driveway. With each step, he battled cowardice. If the meds were there, then no harm done. If they were gone, Kellie might never forgive him for turning her brother in. But who else would have taken them? The biting wind whipped cold and fierce, stinging his cheeks.

When he reached the trash can, Ryan lifted the lid and let loose a sigh. The small brown paper sack he'd used to hide the bottle of prescription pain meds lay on top. He opened the bag and noticed the bottle was still inside. He pulled it out and the screw-on top fell to the ground.

Empty.

Had the pills fallen out? Maybe he didn't tighten the lid right. Ryan dug a little deeper, past discarded coffee grounds and orange peels. Nothing.

Come on, God. Let them be here
. Ryan kept digging.

“What are you looking for?” the deputy asked.

Ryan straightened, defeated. “This bottle of Percocet was full. At least, I thought it was full.”

“Yours?”

Ryan nodded. He hadn't bothered to count the pills before he threw them away. If Karl had been taking them, it wouldn't take a rocket scientist to figure out where they'd gone. And Ryan's trash can was in plain sight.

He looked at the deputy. “From when I had my wisdom teeth pulled a couple months ago. I took only one pill and threw the rest away when I realized I still had them. But they're gone.”

The deputy took the empty bottle. “Can I have this?”

“Sure. Take it.”

The deputy stood in front of him, his face like stone. “Let's go back inside. I have a few more questions.”

The rustling sound of the wind against the paper bag in his hands filled the air. Ryan didn't like the look of suspicion that grew in the deputy's eyes. Ryan couldn't prove that Karl took the pills. So, why'd the guy look at him like he was the liar here, the cheat? Had the deputy found out about his recent arrest and court order? Ryan hated being in the system. He was close to getting those charges dropped, but not close enough.

He swallowed irritation and followed the deputy back inside with a sinking feeling. Ryan had a lot to prove with this discussion, starting with his credibility.

Chapter Twelve

K
ellie glanced up as Ryan came back into the house. Something was wrong if the thundercloud of his face was any indication. Apprehension pooled in her belly, turning it over like she'd eaten something bad. “Dorrie, I've got to go. Call me if you see Karl.”

Stepping toward him, Kellie narrowed her gaze. “What's going on?”

Ryan's brow only furrowed deeper. “My pain meds are gone.”

“What pain meds?”

“From my wisdom teeth.”

Kellie remembered Ryan telling her about them during his intake assessment at LightHouse Center. She fought for control and lost. “You never threw them away?”

The deputy walked back into the house and gave her an odd look at her raised voice.

Why was he still here? Did Ryan tell him about the missing meds, too? Ryan's irresponsibility with his prescription was like hanging a carrot out for a rabbit. “How could you have left them lying around knowing Karl's history?”

Ryan ran a hand through his hair. “I forgot about them.”

“Do you believe your brother took the pills?” The deputy pinned her with his steely stare.

“Yes. I imagine he probably did.” Kellie had to be honest. So much for thinking the best of someone she loved. The reality was that Karl most likely took them, and that's why he left.

She paced the wood floor between the dining area and the living room as more dismal thoughts swamped her. Maybe Karl's story about treatment was nothing but a ruse to keep her happy and willing to give him money. But her brother
had
been meeting his sponsor. That hadn't been a lie; she'd checked. The only thing she knew was real was Karl's eagerness to see his girls. But he wouldn't take them, too, would he?

“So, what's next?” Ryan slid into a chair at the dining room table. He gestured for the officer to do the same.

“We'll look for him and then talk to him.” The deputy focused on Ryan. “Is there anything else missing? Any other meds?”

Ryan shook his head. “All I have is aspirin and maybe a box of cold medicine.”

“Can I take a look?”

“Sure.”

Kellie stopped pacing and leaned against the back of the couch, chewing the edge of her thumb as she watched Ryan lead the officer to his bathroom. She listened as the two men talked in low tones while going through the cabinet. The officer asked if this was where Ryan had kept his prescription.

How could she not have seen this coming? She should have asked Ryan if he had anything that might tempt Karl. She could have made sure those pills had been properly disposed of before he had moved in. Kellie closed her eyes, soaking in the weight of her failure.

She felt a warm hand on her shoulder and looked up into Ryan's concerned eyes. “This isn't how I envisioned you taking Karl in.”

Ryan gave her a wan smile. “No, I suppose not.”

The deputy joined them. “Thank you both. Miss Cavanaugh, I'll call you if anything develops with your brother.”

Kellie nodded as she watched Ryan walk the guy outside. Her nerves raw, she went to one of the windows and looked out at the stark landscape. Hues of brown and gray were everywhere. Brown grass, brown-and-gray trees rose up to meet a gray sky. Even the lake looked gray. Sullen.

Kellie hung her head against the cold glass. She hated being used. Yet, she'd let it happen again. This time by her own brother.

Once an addict, always an addict
.

Was there no escaping that truth? Maybe she was an addict for heartbreak—always putting herself out there only to be disappointed.

“You okay?”

Kellie whirled around. “No, I'm not. And I don't think Dorrie or the girls are either. That sheriff showing up scared them all.”

“You know I had to make that call.” His tone was soft but firm, much like the voice she used with the second graders at school.

She stared at him. She wanted to stomp her feet and yell. He was right of course, but the helplessness running through her had given way to anger. Anger at Ryan for doing the right thing, anger at Karl for doing the wrong thing, but mostly anger at herself for doing nothing to prevent this. What kind of counselor would she make if she couldn't even get it right with her own family?

She grabbed her coat. “I'm going over there.”

Ryan stopped her with a touch on her arm. “Kellie, wait. Talk to me.”

“Not now. I might say something we'd both regret.” She wanted to blame him so badly, she could taste it. But this wasn't his fault.

He let out a weary sigh. “Call me if you hear from Karl. And if he shows up at Dorrie's, promise you'll call the sheriff.”

Kellie nodded, avoiding Ryan's gaze.

He tipped up her chin. “Promise me.”

She searched his dark brown eyes for something that might resemble regret, but found only a sure resolve and a fierce protectiveness. It made her shiver.

Ryan had taken in Karl as a favor to her, and look what had happened. She had to get out of there before she broke down. “Okay, okay. I promise.”

“Be careful, Kel.” His voice sounded stern.

“I will.” She left Ryan's house with her cell phone against her ear, calling Karl once more. “Come on, pick up.”

Nothing but his voice mail.

Karl was running again, and Kellie had the sinking feeling that this time he'd get caught and it wouldn't be good. She'd do her best to watch over Dorrie and the girls, but if Karl tried something he shouldn't, she'd make that call to the police. She should never have relied on Ryan to take care of her problem—her own brother. And if the authorities were needed, it might mean the end for Karl. But at least it would be Kellie's call this time.

* * *

Later that night, Ryan drove slowly by Dorrie's house and spotted Kellie's car still in the driveway. Soft light shone from the windows of the little mobile home, and he could see the girls running around inside, safe and sound. Good.

More than anything, he wanted to knock on that door and check in, but he'd give Kellie her space. She'd been too quick to hang up with him after their clipped conversation earlier. So he'd called Dorrie this last time, only an hour or so ago, to make sure they were all safe.

Kellie took Karl's disappearance hard, personally even, as if she could have somehow saved her brother from himself. Ryan knew his pain meds disappearing didn't help matters. He'd been lax and could never make that right. Even so, why had Karl left that note? Almost as if he'd raised a red flag that screamed,
come get me
.

Ryan drove north toward Dorrie's new house to check it out. He couldn't call it a night until he'd done something, anything that might help. More like keeping his mind off Kellie. He couldn't go home, not yet.

Pulling into the drive, everything looked fine and quiet, until he spotted a small flash of light from inside. Could be one of the rechargeable tools left plugged in, but Ryan wasn't going to let it go until he made sure. Getting out of his truck, he looked around. He didn't see any cars other than the ones parked in the driveways down the road at a couple of the new builds completed a few years ago.

The eerie sound of a metal For Sale sign clanging against its post in one of the vacant lots made him pause. What was he going to do if someone was inside the house? Touching the cell phone in his coat pocket, Ryan stepped forward. He'd soon find out.

Unlocking the side door, he went in. “Hello? Anyone here?”

Not a single sound greeted him.

He walked farther into the house, through the kitchen into the dining room. Nothing. But he'd seen that flash of light come from the back—from one of the bedrooms. Stepping softly down the hall, Ryan considered the risk. He might be a big guy, but what if the intruder had a weapon? Fear skittered up his spine. If he backed off now, he might miss catching whoever may be inside.

Blowing out his breath, Ryan kept walking. His skin itched and his pulse pounded like thunder in his ears. Opening the door to the girls' bedroom, Ryan scanned the empty space. Nothing amiss. He stepped across the hall and opened the other bedroom door to a blast of cold air. The window was wide open.

He ran to it and peered out. A dark figure headed for a patch of woods. If Ryan hurried, he might catch the guy. A tall, thin guy.

“Karl, wait.” Tearing out of the room, Ryan ran.

Once out the back door, he charged for those woods. He couldn't see the dark figure anymore, but he heard the start of a car. The taillights were ahead of him and he got a good look at the license plate. Memorizing the numbers and letters as he ran, Ryan almost made it to the vehicle, a dark sedan that looked uncomfortably familiar, but it suddenly pulled away fast once the guy turned on to a two-track that cut through a neighboring orchard.

Ryan stopped running and dialed 911. It had to be Karl.

“Dispatch.”

“Yeah, I'd like to report an intruder. I've got a license plate for you.”

“Go ahead.”

Ryan rattled off the plate. “I'm pretty sure it's a Lexus sedan.”

“Stay put. A deputy is in route.”

Ryan braced his hands on his knees, trying to catch his breath. Why had Karl stayed around? And what was he up to hanging out at Dorrie's new place? Nothing felt right or made sense.

In the distance, he heard the sound of sirens. Had they pulled him over already? Then he saw a sheriff's car pulling into the driveway next to his truck and his heart sank. The adrenaline ebbed and realization hit. Before this night was over, he'd have to tell Kellie that he'd not only found her brother but gotten him arrested.

* * *

By the time Ryan stood on the small porch outside where Dorrie lived, he knew he'd done the right thing. But how was he supposed to convince Kellie of that? Taking a deep breath, he knocked.

Kellie opened the door. Red-rimmed green eyes that matched the color of her shirt widened with fear. “What...what is it?”

Did he look that bad? His stomach churned. Probably. “Karl has been arrested.”

“When?”

“A little bit ago.”

She blinked. “Why would they call you and not me?”

Ryan lowered the boom. “Because I was there. I made the call.”

“Where?” Her voice was barely above a whisper.

“I went to Dorrie's house to check on it, and Karl was there, hiding out.”

Kellie hung her head and rubbed her temples. “Why would he do that?”

Ryan shrugged. “I don't know, but it wasn't good.”

She shook her head and backed up. “Come in out of the cold.”

“Where are the girls?” Ryan didn't want to talk about Karl in front of them.

“They're in bed.”

He spotted Dorrie coming down the short hallway. “What's up?”

“Karl's been arrested,” Kellie said.

“No surprise there.” Dorrie's scorn was tangible and bitter. “He's probably dealing again.”

Kellie turned on her sister-in-law. “Why would you say that?”

“Because I found this in my car tonight.” Dorrie reached into the pocket of her jeans and pulled out a wad of bills and tossed them onto the small coffee table.

Ryan picked it up and counted. “There's eight hundred dollars here.”

He watched Kellie wilt onto the faded couch. “Are you sure it's from Karl?”

“He left the money and a note saying he was sorry. Who else could it be?” Dorrie slipped into a rocking chair.

Ryan looked from one woman to the other. Pain and bitter disappointment were etched into their expressions. Karl had so much to live for and yet he'd thrown his life away. He'd given himself over to sin and destruction, leaving behind a lot of hurt and heartache. Kellie and Dorrie looked like they'd been through this over and over again, yet despite all that Karl had put them through, they still loved the guy.

Kellie's cell phone rang, shattering the momentary silence.

Ryan watched her look at the screen with dismay.

“Hi, Mom,” Kellie said and then grew silent. “Karl called you?”

Ryan listened to Kellie agree to meet her parents at the Leelanau County jail in the morning. He sat down on the couch next to her and felt her posture stiffen. Did she blame him for all this? He'd take responsibility for his meds but not for the other junk the sheriff found in Karl's possession. Big-time junk. And cash.

When she finally got off the phone, he cleared his throat. “I can take you over there.”

Kellie shook her head. “Thanks, but I'd rather go alone.”

Ryan glanced at Dorrie.

She got the message and bounded from the rocker. “I'll check on the girls.”

“Let me help, Kel.”

Kellie looked up with big green leaky pools for eyes. “There's nothing you can do. I should have seen this coming, but I wanted to believe in his recovery. I wanted him to be well.”

“You couldn't have known.” Ryan pulled her into his arms.

She didn't resist and rested her head against his chest. “But I'm trained to know. I spent months at outpatient, enough to know that once an addict, always an addict.”

Ryan pushed her back so he could see her face. He hated hearing the defeat in her voice. “But we
can
live sober. Don't forget that part. People make choices. One of them is letting God heal their addiction. Heal their pain. You have to know that or what's the point?”

She sniffed and pulled away. “Yeah, what's the point?”

He squeezed her hand. “I know it hurts, but you can't stop believing in the process or the people you've helped. You've helped me.”

Her eyes got all watery again, and tears spilled over and down her cheeks. “Every time I give someone a chance, I get kicked in the teeth.”

Ryan didn't know what it was like to have a loved one with a substance abuse problem. He only knew that he might have traveled farther down that road if Kellie hadn't recommended him for treatment. He could have been someone who would have hurt his friends and family. He didn't want to do that. Not for the world. Not after seeing the consequences from both group and Karl. Not after meeting Kellie, a woman who gave him every reason to want a real life again.