Beyond Suspicion (6 page)

There was no search going on. She didn't have to try to blend in anywhere.

Nine

Her shock and disappointment gave way to understanding. It was okay. The police must have finally realized Josh wasn't there and gone out to hunt for the van. The visitors to the park today seemed to have nothing on their minds except normal activities. It was sad to think that Josh's story wasn't important to them. But hadn't she done the same thing? News stories, no matter how terrible, never stopped her from participating in fun activities.

Shelby's eyes went to the spot where she last saw Josh. She remembered feeling a dark emptiness as one officer rolled the stroller away for evidence while another led her to a squad car.

Tears threatened as her throat tightened. No, she would not cry here. Not where she might be recognized and mobbed. Shelby headed for the wooded area and her favorite spot by the spring-fed creek where no one could see or hear her. The last time she cried there was the day before her mom married Roger.

Shelby followed the familiar path for a few minutes, then stepped onto the grass, winding her way through the trees to the creek. There was a rock formation where she would be able to sit, close her eyes, and let the gurgling sound of the clear water wrap around her. As she reached the rocks, she saw something small lying in the leaves. With tense fingers she cleared them away.

“Brownie Bear!” She snatched it up and clasped it with both hands as she fell to her knees. Josh's favorite toy! Holding it brought fresh tears. The kidnapper had come this way!

Suddenly there was crashing in the brush near her and two uniformed officers loomed in front of her. One of them yanked Brownie Bear from her, knocking her off balance. Shelby sat hard on the stones.

“Get the search team back in here.”

The two officers stepped aside to let Detective Rutherford through.

“What'd I tell you? They always return to the scene of the crime.”

He took Brownie Bear from the officer and slowly turned it over and over in his hands as he glowered at her. “If you hadn't come back for this we probably wouldn't have known where to start looking.”

Shelby scrambled to her feet. “I found it here. The kidnapper dropped it.”

Detective Rutherford laughed a harsh, derisive half laugh. “Right.”

“Honest, it was lying right there.” Shelby choked for a second as she pointed to the spot. “It was his favorite toy.”

Detective Rutherford's face registered triumph. “
Was
?”

A line of confusion formed between Shelby's eyes. “What?”

“You said it was his favorite toy,” Detective Rutherford said. “That means he's dead.”

“I didn't hurt my baby brother!” It was so darn frustrating to know someone had Josh and Stupid here was in charge of the case.

“Give it up, Shelby, we know you did it.”

And then rage at hearing those words and seeing the hate on his face took over and made her fists double up. If she'd dared she would have smashed that superior smirk down his throat.

“Leave her alone! She hasn't done anything wrong.”

Shelby turned her head. So did the policemen. A young man stood about ten feet away. Dressed in a loose green tee, faded jeans, and well-worn black cross-trainers, he seemed to command attention—and not just because of his sudden appearance and confident order. The two uniformed officers took a step toward him, but Detective Rutherford raised his hand to stop them. He and the boy checked each other out. The boy's eyes never wavered. Then Detective Rutherford flung his hand in Shelby's direction.

“If this is your friend, then you better get her out of here.”

The boy gave a curt nod. “Come on, Shelby.”

Shelby, uncertain what to do, couldn't move. She had never seen him before.

He held out his hand. His intense brown eyes sent a penetrating message to hers. She couldn't refuse even if she wanted to.

“Let's go. It's time to get out of here.”

She moved in what felt like slow motion and took his hand. It felt natural and safe as his hand enclosed hers. He pulled her to hurry, and once she was in front of him he followed.

“Keep walking and don't turn around,” he whispered so quietly she almost didn't hear him.

“Isn't she under arrest?” a uniformed officer asked.

“And that kid for interfering?” the other one asked.

“No. Where's that search team?”

The boy moved to her side and took her elbow. She liked the feel of his fingers as he guided her to the trail. She stole a glance at him. He had brown hair, longish at the top, but trimmed neatly at the sides and back. The breeze blew a few strands over his forehead. He brushed them away. When they reached the trail he stopped and checked to see if anyone was following.

“I guess they're really going to leave us alone. I don't hear anyone coming.”

Shelby turned around. He was right. No one had followed them.

“Thanks for what happened back there,” she said. She couldn't help staring at him. She didn't recognize him from school. But that was no big surprise, the high school was bursting at the seams with new students. Detective Rutherford assumed they were friends, but who was he? And what did he really want? Maybe he just wanted his fifteen minutes of fame to tell the world all about this.

“No problem.”

“Am I supposed to know you?”

He faced her. “Nope, I'm new in town. Matt Turner, brand new senior at Whispering Springs High, nice to meet you.”

“Like the Turner Federal Court House?” Shelby couldn't help being wary of his arriving-in-the-nick-of-time moment.

He laughed. “No. I have no idea who Judge Turner was.”

It was an adorable laugh, but Shelby was not about to be taken in. He had some explaining to do. She backed a few feet away. “Why did you do that? Do you know who I am?”

“Yes, and I know what everyone is saying about you, but your story sounds true to me. Lies are usually huge and involved.” He lifted his shoulders giving her a lopsided grin. “I'm on your side.”

“You're probably the only one in town.” Shelby looked back toward the trees. Even her friends had turned on her, so what was this strange boy up to? She decided to be direct. “So what were you doing in there?”

“I was curious,” he said. “I saw you walking while I was shooting hoops and thought you were cute. Then a couple of cops hopped out of cars and started running after you as soon as you got out of sight. Then that other man…”

“Detective Rutherford.”

“Detective Rutherford was running behind them. I decided to snoop. I didn't know what was going on until I got in there.” Matt took a few more steps up the trail. “That detective was trying hard to get you to slug him so when you doubled up your fists I decided to interrupt things.”

Shelby's eyes widened. “Why would he do that?”

“So he could arrest you for assaulting an officer.”

Her eyes flared. She
had
come close to slugging him and grabbing Brownie Bear. She shivered and wrapped her arms around her waist.

“You okay?”

She nodded. “Just had a flash of being back in that interrogation room.”

“Rough, huh?”

“Horrifying. Thanks, Matt, but I don't think I actually would have hit him. But I wanted to.” Shelby relaxed. Matt's story made sense to her. Like he said, it was simple, not all involved.

“I'm glad I didn't wait to see. I always wanted to rescue a pretty girl.”

Shelby's cheeks warmed. Matt chuckled. Why couldn't she act cool in situations like these?

“Come on, I better drive you home before the news guys get here. Just a second.” He dug in his back pocket and pulled out a wadded up baseball cap. “Here let me help get this thing on you.”

Shelby let him take her hair, twist it up on top of her head, then cover it with the cap. She put both hands on top of it and grinned. “What do you think?”

Matt tweaked her under the chin. “You could be my kid brother. Let's go, bro.”

Just two seconds ago her tummy had fluttered because he said she was cute. Now he thought she could pass for a boy. She stifled a snort.

“You okay?”

“Fine, why?”

“You sounded like you were choking.”

“Nope.”

They didn't say another word until they reached the sidewalk. Up ahead officers were approaching, some with dogs. One officer stopped as they got closer. Shelby lowered her head, put her finger on the nosepiece of her glasses, and concentrated on the cracks in the concrete.

“Move over, Jimmy, and get out of their way.” Matt shoved Shelby's shoulder, forcing her into the grass as they passed the officers. “Mom's mad that you left without telling her. You are in big trouble.”

The officer strode past them without showing any more interest.

Shelby looked over her shoulder as they moved onto the sidewalk again. None of the officers turned around. They had already forgotten them. “You should be an actor.”

Matt smiled down at her. When they reached the parking lot he pointed. “It's the black Jeep Wrangler with the top down.”

Shelby saw it. “Maybe you should put the top up.” It would be hard to keep her identity a secret out in the open like that.

“When I find one I'll put it up.”

Shelby couldn't help it. She laughed. So did Matt. Then she remembered Josh. This was no time to be enjoying herself or thinking about a boy. Even if he was finer-than-fine and fit perfectly in the roll of super-hero slash knight-in-shining-armor.

Ten

“If you don't have to get home right away, why don't we go to Dairy Delight and talk?” Matt asked as they buckled in.

“No, I better get home. Thanks anyway.” She'd have loved to have said yes, but there was no sense in making the huge scene facing her at home even worse.

Matt pulled out his cell. He scrolled and tapped the screen.

“What are you doing?” Shelby asked, worried about who he was calling and why.

“I'd like to add my new friend, Shelby Palmer, to my contact list,” he said, grinning. “If you don't mind.”

“I don't mind.” Pleased, Shelby relaxed and gave him both the landline and her cell then watched as both his thumbs tapped away.

“There,” he said, putting it away. “I'll call later to see how you're doing.” He started the ignition, backed out, and drove out of the parking lot, turning left at her finger direction.

Shelby shifted sideways just a little so she could observe him in secret. The breeze tossed his hair around and she liked the way it moved. This comfortable feeling of being in the Jeep with him made her want this time to last a little longer. Almost immediately Josh's little face came to mind. What was she doing thinking things like that? Her brother was missing. Her thoughts changed direction as an idea began to form. She needed to find Josh. Maybe Matt would be willing to help. Could she trust him?

“Where do I turn?”

“Oh, I'm sorry.” Shelby faced forward. “I keep thinking about Josh. It's like being constantly in a fog. My mind wanders to him.”

“I understand.”

He had a nice smile. The corners of his mouth curved up and his cheeks dimpled slightly.

“Are we close?”

“Huh? Oh, make a left at the fire hydrant and mine is the second street on the right. Drive right past the street and use the alley.” Shelby wondered if she should ask him now or wait and see if he calls.

“If you keep the cap on we'll walk up to the door like we're friends of the family,” Matt said. “I bet they don't recognize you at all.”

“I don't want us to wind up on the news.” Shelby thought of the frenzy it might cause and she was already in enough trouble. “Go down the alley, Matt. We can't take the chance of being seen.”

Matt turned the corner and slowed to a crawl. When they reached her street he peered around her to take a look.

Shelby's desperate voice became high and shrill. “Matt, don't! Drop me off at the alley!”

He sped up. “Gosh, Shelby, relax. You're right. As soon as I saw that mob I knew we couldn't make it.”

Not quite recovered from her panic-driven flash of anger, she pointed to the alley. “Stop the Jeep and let me out.” That was too close. She'd better get home and forget all about asking him for help.

“Nope, no telling who could be prowling around.”

What had Shelby done, trusting him like that? What was he up to? Was he just being a nice guy or what? The best thing for her to do was to get away from him as fast as she could. But uncertainty made her wait.

Matt stopped at the barricade blocking the alley. Shelby got out and thought about waving a thank you and running home. Instead she moved the orange striped sawhorse and waved him forward. After she moved it back in position and climbed back in the Jeep, they drove up the alley where she had him stop at the gate.

“Can I leave the Jeep here?”

“What?” Shelby's hand froze on the door handle.

“I think your parents will want to know who you've been with.” Matt narrowed his eyes. “It's the right thing to do.”

She should have run when she had the chance. Matt insisted on doing the right thing. No way could she argue with that. Well, she could, but it would make her sound childish.

“Okay.” Shelby pretended it didn't matter. But her insides were twisting as she imagined the scene waiting for her inside. As she got out, she pulled off the cap, tossed it on the seat, and shook her hair out.

Matt followed Shelby. Each step as they drew closer to the back door made her more and more nervous. She opened the gate, and as he passed through he brushed against her. The hurricane of emotions bouncing through her was almost too much to handle. She took a deep breath and hoped cute-boy-guest would keep them from yelling at her.

As she opened the door, she spotted her mother at the sink filling the coffeepot with fresh water from a carafe. Her face registered anger then turned to surprise when Shelby stepped aside to let Matt come in.

“Roger? She's home.”

“Mom,” Shelby said, feeling the frost emanating from her mother. “This is…”

Roger rushed in and stopped short. “Where have you—who's this?”

Matt stepped forward with his hand out. “I'm Matt Turner, sir. I sort of ran into Shelby at the park.”

Roger shook his hand, suspicion evident in his face. “Roger Butler, my wife Melissa.” He turned to Shelby. “What happened?”

“I had to get out of the house for a while, so I went to the park.” Shelby explained as she laced her fingers together. When she mentioned finding Brownie Bear her mom paled and Roger's mouth trembled. But as she related her encounter with the police they were seething again. “So Matt brought me home and wanted to come in so you could meet him.” She wiped her sweaty palms on her jeans.

“Shelby brought me in so you wouldn't think some nut had picked her up, especially with everything you're going through. I'm very sorry about your son.”

Shelby's mother put down the carafe to shake hands. “Thank you, Matt. Shelby did a childish thing and I'm grateful you were there to help her. Shelby, thank Matt and go straight to your room.”

Shelby's face burned. “Mom, listen—”

“I don't want to hear it.” From the steely set of her mother's jaw, Shelby knew she meant it.

Head down, neck and face burning, Shelby brushed past Roger. Once outside the kitchen she ducked behind the door to eavesdrop.

“Thank you, Matt,” Roger said. “We were worried about her.”

“I understand,” Matt said. “I think Shelby just wanted to find Josh. It was lucky that I got curious and followed the police.”

“Um, Matt, will you promise not to say anything to the press when you leave?” Shelby's mother asked in a quiet tone.

“Mrs. Butler, Shelby had me park in the alley so we wouldn't be seen. I don't think we were. In any case, I promise I have no intention of saying anything to anyone. It was nice meeting you. I just wish it had been under better circumstances.”

“Likewise,” Roger said. “Thank you, Matt.”

When Matt left, Shelby hurried to her room. That was probably the last time she'd ever see him. Her mom shouldn't have said anything until after he'd left. How could she embarrass her like that? She couldn't wait another second to call Val.

On the first ring, Valerie picked up.

“Hi, tell me about the party.”

“Shelby, just a sec,” she whispered. “I have to close my door.”

Shelby waited.

“I have to whisper or she'll hear me,” Valerie said. “Um…Shelby, something's come up. Oh, cr…”

Shelby heard Valerie's mother yelling, “Is that her? What did I tell you?”

“I was just getting ready to tell her,” Valerie said. “Mom, stop!”

There was a rustling sound. Then Mrs. Cosgrove said, “Shelby?”

“Yes, ma'am.”

“Valerie is no longer allowed to talk to you. Please don't call her or this house again.” She disconnected.

Shelby gaped at the phone. Her door opened. Shelby knew from the look her mother gave her she was about to get it. That didn't seem to matter anymore. “Mom, Valerie's mom told me I wasn't allowed to call over there anymore. Valerie can't talk to me.”

Her mother's face softened as she sat on the side of the bed. “I'm so sorry. That's why you can't leave the house alone—it's not safe—you can't trust anyone.”

“She's my best friend. Would you call her mom and…?”

“Shelby, please, just stop it.” Her mother grabbed the cell and tossed it on the bedside table. “Right now the only thing I need to think about is Josh. Can't you see that? Don't you understand what this has done to me? I'm worried sick about my little boy.” She let go of Shelby's hand and pressed her eyes with her fingers to stop the tears. “I can't take much more. I just can't.”

“Mom, I'm sorry…”

“Shelby, I know you didn't do anything, but until we find him I just can't worry about you or any problems you're having. Roger can't take any more stress, either. He's a strong man, but his nerves are raw.”

“I'm so sorry, Mom.” Shelby moved fast to hug her. She repeated over and over again, “I'm sorry, I'm so sorry. I acted like a stupid little kid sneaking out.” As her mother cried in her arms, Shelby cried, too, for them.

Their baby was missing. He could be injured or even dead. Not once had Roger said or done anything to make her think she was at fault. Josh was the only thing that mattered. Nothing else. Nothing. But at the same time she knew that if there was some way she could find out where Josh had been taken, then she'd do whatever it took for her to get him back no matter how stupid they thought her actions were.

“I finished the wash.” Her mother dabbed her eyes with a tissue and went to the door. “But use some different sheets, Grammy likes the yellow ones.”

“Sure, Mom, and don't worry about me. I learned my lesson.”

“I won't. Thanks, honey.” She seemed relieved as she left the room.

Shelby got out the vacuum and dust rags and cleaned her room. She opened the closet to shove her things to the side and saw the new dress. It still had the tags on it. She moved it next to the wall then smashed all her clothes against it. On the floor she saw her watercolor paint box. She kneeled down and opened it. The unfinished lake scene seemed cold and forgotten. She took it out and folded the thick paper until it was small enough to toss in the trash. Afterward she fingered the paints. She'd probably never get another chance to work with a visiting artist but at least she'd have work in the art show.
Like that was important now? Josh is gone!

She shut the case and put it at the very back of her closet in front of the glass palette propped against the wall. Most people used fancy artist's palettes or special paper but Shelby had read where a well-known artist liked the smoothness of glass. Her mom drove Shelby to a lumber company where she asked for a piece of safety glass to be cut in a fifteen-inch square. Then she brought it home and wrapped the edges with masking tape. It had been the perfect palette, easy to mix paints and easier to clean. She tested it to make sure it wouldn't fall, then she tucked her portable easel against them both and straightened her shoes. Now there was room for her grandparents' things. Shelby made the bed with the yellow sheets, and when everything was finished, she sank to the floor and cried.