Seeking His Love (14 page)

“Then let’s raise the money,” Rachel said.

“How would we do that?” Lilly asked.

“We could become a non-profit group and apply for grants from foundations that support the arts. Or maybe we could look for other ways to raise funds.”

“Right, like bake sales and car washes,” Melanie added with a sarcastic sneer. “We’d never get enough money together in one month.”

Rachel turned away from Melanie. “We don’t know how quickly the board will move on this. We could at least see what’s involved and start the process.”

Ross tapped his pencil on the table. “Or we could look for a new location.” Lilly moaned and Hannah shook her head, then Ross continued. “I know none of us likes the idea of moving, but if we found a building in the historic district, it might put us closer to the other stores and galleries.”

“We tried that,” Lilly said. “But all those buildings were out of our price range, remember?”

Ross sighed. “Yeah, I remember.”

Cam flipped his yellow pad to a new page. “Okay. It’s getting late. Let’s make a plan. Hannah, why don’t you stay in touch with Ron and see what else he can find out for us. Rachel, would you look into what’s involved in setting up a non-profit and going after some grant money?”

“Sure.” Rachel nodded to Cam, then made a note for herself.

Melanie glared at Rachel, clearly perturbed.

“Ross, why don’t you talk to your lawyer friend and see
what it would cost for him to help us. I’ll contact a real estate agent and see if there are any buildings nearby that would meet our needs. Lilly and Melanie, maybe you can ask around about any possible places that aren’t listed with a Realtor yet.”

Melanie lifted her eyes toward the ceiling. “How in the world am I supposed to find those? You want magic. Ask a magician.”

Lilly ignored Melanie and nodded to Cam. “I’ll talk to a few people and see what I can come up with.”

“Okay. Thanks.” Cam glanced around the table. “And it wouldn’t hurt to say a prayer or two about this situation. We need all the help we can get.”

“Amen to that!” Hannah added with a pleased grin.

Rachel nodded and sent him a warm smile.

Fifteen minutes later Rachel locked her office door and joined Cam in the hallway. She fell into step beside him as they headed toward the front door of the Arts Center. “You did a good job tonight. It’s not easy to lead a meeting when everyone’s emotions are running so high.”

He held the door open so she could pass through first. “Melanie and Hannah still seem pretty upset even though we came up with some good ideas,” Cam said.

Warm, sea-scented air greeted Rachel as she stepped outside. “Well, it’s a scary situation for all of us.”

“But it doesn’t seem to be affecting you the same way it does the rest of them,” Cam replied.

She tipped her head, remembering how anxious she’d been that afternoon when she’d first heard the news. “I don’t like the prospect of searching for a new location any more than they do. But I took some time to pray before the meeting, and that helped.

“I’m always telling the kids, ‘Don’t worry. God’s big
enough to handle any problem that comes your way. He has a plan, and He’s got everything under control.’ If I believe that then I don’t need to be afraid of whatever is coming.”

He slipped his arm around her shoulder as they stepped off the curb. “That’s one of the things I like about you. You let your faith impact how you think and what you do every day.”

She smiled and ducked her head. “That’s sweet, Cam.”

“I mean it, Rachel. I don’t know many people who live what they believe the way you do. You make me want that kind of faith for myself.”

His words made her feel like dancing. If watching her go through tough times stirred up that kind of response in Cam’s heart, it was worth it all.

They stopped beside her car, and he waited while she searched through her purse and found her keys.

He laid his hand over hers. “Wait.”

She stilled and looked up at him.

A tender message flowed from his eyes as he lifted his hand and traced his fingers down her cheek. “Rachel…you’re a treasure.” He lowered his head, moving closer.

She lifted her face and her eyes drifted closed. His kiss was slow and sweet and achingly tender, melting away all her questions and worries.

Finally, he stepped back. “Wow. That was great. Maybe we should try that again.” Mischief twinkled in his eyes.

She laughed softly and squeezed his hand. “I better go.” But she stood on tiptoe and kissed his cheek before she climbed into her car. “Good night, Cam. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Cam shut Rachel’s car door and waited while she started her engine. A smile tugged at his lips as he replayed her warm response to his kiss. She was amazing.

He’d wanted to kiss her for a long time, but it hadn’t seemed right until tonight. He didn’t take her affection or that kiss lightly. She was a treasure…a wonderful gift that had been entrusted to him, and he intended to tread very carefully so there was no possibility he’d hurt her.

He waved as she backed out of her parking spot and drove toward the exit. Reaching in his pocket, he found his keys, but his phone was missing. With a frown, he looked back at the building. He must have left it in his shop on the workbench. He didn’t like to be without it, especially when Shannon and Eric as well as Kayla used that number to reach him.

Across the parking lot, another car engine started. A dark sedan pulled out of the shadows in the far corner. Cam’s shoulders tensed. It looked like the same car he’d seen before, but he couldn’t be sure. His eyes darted to Rachel’s car. She turned out of the parking lot and headed north on Sixteenth. The sedan rolled across the blacktop, following Rachel’s path.

Cam’s gut clenched. He jogged to his SUV and jumped in, dismissing thoughts of his missing phone.

This time he would not let that guy get away.

R
achel drove out of the Arts Center parking lot and popped in a Carpenters’ CD. The music had been a gift from her mom who loved the brother-and-sister duo since college days. Tonight seemed like the perfect time for some vintage love songs.

Strains of “Close To You” filled the car as she drove up Sixteenth Street and turned right on Harris Avenue. She touched her lips and smiled, remembering the kiss she’d shared with Cam just minutes before. That kiss, along with the way he’d talked so openly about his faith, sent a special message straight to her heart. Cam’s renewed faith and caring ways made her believe she might have finally found a man she could love and trust.

Headlights flashed in her rearview mirror as they traveled over a dip in the road. Cam must have caught up and was right behind her now. Knowing he was close by, watching over her, she relaxed into the seat and hummed along with the song.

Maybe she’d invite him in for coffee when they got home. Kayla was staying overnight at Lindsey’s. It would be just the two of them. Maybe they would share another kiss. Her stomach fluttered at that thought.

The house came into view. She slowed and turned in the driveway, checking the rearview mirror for Cam. But the car behind her didn’t pull in, instead it rolled to a stop across the street. The headlights flashed off.

Rachel turned and looked over her shoulder. The car was a black sedan, not Cam’s green SUV. She gripped the steering wheel, and her heart began to pound.
Don’t panic. Just get out of the car and go inside.

She forced herself to open the door and climb out. As she retrieved her computer bag and purse from the backseat, Cam’s SUV pulled up behind the sedan.

She released the breath she had been holding.
See, you were overreacting. The driver of the sedan must be a friend of Cam’s, someone he invited over.
She walked down the driveway toward the street to greet them.

Cam climbed out of his car, and even in the dim light she could see his stern expression.

“Go in the house,” he shouted, then he tossed her his keys. Hard.

She caught them, but stood there staring at him, trying to make sense of what was going on.

The driver’s window of the sedan powered down. A man lifted a camera, and a bright flash lit up the street.

“Hey!” Cam slammed his fist on the trunk of the sedan. “What do you think you’re doing?” He strode toward the driver’s door. “Who are you? What do you want?”

The sedan pealed out. Cam jumped back.

Rachel gasped. Her mind told her to turn and run, but her feet felt frozen to the sidewalk. The car raced down the street and around the corner.

Cam hustled over to her. “Do you know who that was?”

She swallowed hard, her mind spinning and her knees quivering like a bowl of Jell-O. The shadows had hidden the man’s features. It might have been Kyle. But why would
he take her picture? Was he trying to frighten her—prove he could find her no matter where she went? That thought struck her like a punch in the stomach, and her knees felt as if they might give way.

“Rachel?” Cam reached to steady her. “Did you recognize him?” His voice held more concern for her this time.

“No…no I didn’t.” That was true, but it wasn’t the whole truth. She stepped away from Cam and crossed her arms.

“Well, whoever he is, he followed you all the way from the Arts Center, and it’s not the first time.”

Her head jerked up. “What?”

“He followed you before, that day you left the Arts Center early so we could go shopping and fix up Kayla’s room.”

Her mind flashed back to that afternoon, and she remembered the strange way Cam had acted when she’d pulled in the driveway a few minutes late. “Why didn’t you say something then?”

“I wasn’t sure. I didn’t want to scare you.”

She stiffened. “Well, I’d appreciate knowing next time you suspect something like that.”

He put his arm around her shoulder. “I’m sorry. I should’ve told you.” His gentle tone soothed her for the moment. “Let’s go inside,” he added.

She handed him his keys, then walked with him up the porch steps, still feeling unsteady. He unlocked the door and led her into the living room. Sasha rushed forward to greet them, her tail wagging.

“Why don’t you sit down? I’m going to let her outside. I’ll be right back.”

Rachel sunk onto the couch, closed her eyes and rubbed her temples. Would Kyle really follow her all the way up here from Seattle? How was she going to explain this to Cam? If she tried, would he believe her, or would he turn his back
on her the way so many people had when they heard Kyle’s accusations?

When it came to children’s safety, no one wanted to take a chance. She’d been presumed guilty, and even after the charges were dropped most people didn’t want to have anything to do with her. If that information ever became known here in Fairhaven, she’d lose her position as director of N.C.Y.T. for sure.

Cam returned to the living room and crossed to the couch, his stance tense. “I think we should call the police.”

Panic flashed through her. “No! I don’t want to do that.”

He took a seat and reached for her hand. “Rachel, this is serious. He followed you home at least twice, and I’m pretty sure I’ve seen that same car parked at the Arts Center a few other times.”

Cam’s warm hand tightened around hers, but that only drove her panic deeper.

If they called the police, she’d have to tell them about the investigation in Seattle. Cam would hear the whole story, and she’d end up looking like a liar, a fool or much worse. Her stomach twisted into a tight knot. She pulled her hand away. “I don’t want to get the police involved.”

A tense silence stretched between them for several seconds. “Why do I get the feeling you’re not telling me everything?”

Her throat burned. She got up. “I’m tired, Cam. I just want to go upstairs and go to bed.”

He stood, and his piercing blue gaze pinned her in place. “I want to help you, Rachel. But I can’t do that if you won’t tell me what’s going on.”

She looked around the room trying to buy some time. She had to tell him something, but she couldn’t admit her own humiliating part of the problem. “I…have an idea who it might be, but I’m not sure.”

Cam tensed. “Who?”

“One of the reasons I left Seattle was because a former student was…following me.”

Cam scowled. “Why didn’t you tell me that before?”

“The whole thing is embarrassing. And it might not even be him.”

“So…this former student have a crush on you, or was he off mentally?”

“Probably a little of both.”

“Did you tell the police?”

“Yes. But he never made any verbal threats, so they told me to ignore him and pretend his skulking around didn’t bother me.”

Cam growled. “So it was fine with the police if he followed you around as long as he didn’t say anything threatening?” He lifted his hands. “That’s ridiculous!”

“They told me I could file charges against him, but his father is a lawyer, so I didn’t think I’d win. And at the time I had no job and no money to take him to court.”

“So that’s when you left Seattle and came to Fairhaven?”

“Yes. I thought that would put enough distance between us, and he’d leave me alone.”

“So how old is he?”

“Nineteen, maybe twenty by now.”

Cam frowned. “The guy in the car looked older than that.” He studied her, looking unsettled.

She shifted away from him, unable to take his scrutiny any longer. She hated holding back the rest of the story, but she couldn’t risk his rejection. Not tonight. “It’s late. I should go.”

He reached for her hand. “Rachel, wait. I’m sorry. I don’t mean to give you a hard time about this. I just don’t like the
idea of some guy following you around.” He pulled her in for a hug.

Tears burned her eyes.

Tell him the rest. Don’t let your fear and pride build a wall between you.

But she pushed that thought away and hugged him tighter.

“I won’t let anyone hurt you,” he whispered and kissed the top of her head. “I promise.”

A wave of guilt crashed over her heart. What would he say if he knew the rest of the story?

Kayla stood and gave Rachel a hug. “Thanks for letting me come up and talk to you. I really needed another woman’s point of view.”

Rachel held back a grin. “Any time. You’re always welcome.”

“Uncle Cam is great, but he just doesn’t get guy-girl relationships.” Her face flushed and she bit her lip. “I mean, teenage relationships. He’s probably great with adult guy-girl stuff.” Now her face flamed. “Oh man, I better stop before I say something really awful.”

Rachel laughed. “It’s okay. I understand what you mean.”

“Now you can see why I have so much trouble talking to Ryan.”

“Don’t worry.” Rachel gave Kayla a reassuring pat on the shoulder. “Just relax and be yourself.”

“Okay. Thanks.” She glanced at the kitchen clock. “I better go. Uncle Cam said I have to unload the dishwasher before I go over to Lindsey’s. We’re having a chick-flick movie night.”

“Sounds fun.” She followed Kayla down the steps.

At the door, Kayla turned and looked up at Rachel. “One more thing …”

“What’s that?”

“Thanks for praying for my mom. Her last test results were a little better.” Her blue eyes shone as she relayed the news.

Rachel touched Kayla’s cheek. “You hold on to hope. God will carry you through this.”

Kayla gave her another quick hug, then stepped out the door. “Thanks, Rachel. See you tomorrow.”

“Bye, sweetie.” Rachel followed her out to the side porch. She wished she could repeat her advice about being careful with her heart, but she didn’t want Kayla to think she’d get a lecture each time she came to visit. Keeping the lines of communication open by doing a lot of listening seemed to be the best way to strengthen their relationship.

As Kayla trotted around the side of the house, a short bald man in a brown knit shirt and tan slacks approached the porch. He slowed and looked up at Rachel.

Apprehension prickled along Rachel’s arms. Less than twenty-four hours ago, she’d realized someone was stalking her again. This man didn’t look threatening, but she didn’t recognize him.

He stopped at the bottom of the steps. “Rachel Clark?”

She straightened. “Yes?”

“My name is Allen Thayer. I’m a private investigator.” He mounted the porch steps, pulled a card from his pocket and handed it to her.

She glanced at the card, confirming his name and occupation. His Chicago address sent a wave of uncertainty through her. “What can I do for you?”

“I’ve been hired by John Harding to search for his daughter, Rose Marie Harding.”

Rachel narrowed her eyes. “I don’t know anyone by either of those names.”

“You might not remember him, but I believe John Harding is your father.”

The shocking words hit Rachel like a jolt of electricity. She grabbed the porch rail. “What?”

“Birth records show your name was originally Rose Marie Harding. It was changed to Rachel Marie Clark just before your third birthday after your mother moved from Chicago to Seattle and divorced your father.”

“How do you know that?”

He cocked his head. “Ms. Clark, I’m a private investigator. That’s what we do.”

An idea flashed into her mind. She glanced past him to the street where a dark sedan sat parked at the curb. “You’re the one who’s been following me.”

The cockiness faded from his expression. “I’m sorry about last night. I didn’t mean to upset you or your boyfriend.”

She ignored his comment about Cam. “Why did you take my picture?”

“I told your father I was certain I’d found you. But he wanted to see a photo first.”

“You sent him my picture? What did he say?”

A slight grin returned to Thayer’s face. “He said, ‘She looks just like her mother, but she’s got my eyes.’”

Rachel gasped. “I don’t believe this.”

“I assure you it’s the truth. Your father’s been searching for you for quite a while.”

Confusing thoughts tumbled through her mind. “What does he want?”

“He wrote a letter explaining everything.” Thayer pulled an envelope from his pocket and held it out to her.

Her fingers trembled as she took it.

“Don’t worry. He has good intentions. I wouldn’t take the
case if he didn’t.” With that, he turned and walked down the steps. At the bottom, he stopped and looked over his shoulder. “I’d say this is your lucky day, Ms. Clark.”

She leaned against the railing for support. How could this be true? Her father was an angry, dangerous man who had a serious drinking problem and a heavy-handed approach to getting his way. At least that was what her mother had always said.

Rachel had convinced herself it was better not to know a man like that. Yet, in a secret corner of her heart, she’d always longed to know he loved her enough to come and find her.

Now that she held his letter in her hands, she didn’t know if she had the courage to open it.

Cam poured himself a glass of iced tea and set the pitcher back in the refrigerator. The front screen door slammed, and a few seconds later Kayla trooped into the kitchen.

“So, you and Rachel have a good visit?”

“Yeah.” The tense lines around Kayla’s eyes and mouth had disappeared, and her mood seemed much brighter.

Having Rachel upstairs had worked out so much better than he’d ever imagined. Her input in Kayla’s life was priceless, and he certainly liked having her close by. He grinned and took a sip of his tea. “Hey, did you return that sweater you borrowed from her?”

“Oh, sorry. I forgot.” Kayla popped the dishwasher door and lifted out the utensil rack.

Cam downed the last of his tea. “That’s okay. I’ll run it up to her.”

“Maybe you should wait. I think she’s got company.”

He frowned slightly. “Oh yeah, who?”

“Some guy I’ve never seen before.”

Cam tensed, and his frown deepened.

Kayla grinned. “Don’t worry, Uncle Cam. I don’t think
he’s gonna steal her heart. He didn’t look like her type at all.”

Cam headed toward the back door. “I’ll be back in a few minutes.”