Chasing Tara (Bryant Station Curves) (2 page)

“I’m not sure.” Ben pressed his face to the window. “I don’t know what I’m looking for. I’ll just know it when I see it.”

Lisa moved over and shined the light into the rear seat of the car. “I wonder why they abandoned the car.”

“Look!
There Aunt Lisa!” Ben pointed to the backseat.

“What did you find?”

“There’s a car seat back there. You know…a child’s car seat.”

“Are you sure?” she asked as she pressed her face to the window. “I hope they didn’t try walking to town.”

“We have to find them,” said Ben.

Lisa shook her head. “We don’t know where they’re at. Heck, we
don’t even know who they are. We can’t start searching for them. We have no clues where to even begin looking.”

“Come on, Aunt Lisa. This is important. Besides, we will find them on the road between here and town, but we have to hurry.
It’s freezing out here, and they are probably human. You know the cold is worse for humans.” Ben turned and ran to the SUV. He looked back at Lisa. “Hurry up!”

Lisa threw up her hands. “I’m coming.”

Ben opened her door and waited until she got into the vehicle. As soon as he closed her door, he ran around the front of the SUV and got in on the passenger side. “We’re about a mile from Bryant Station, aren’t we?”

Lisa nodded. “Yeah, it’s about a mile, give or
take. Ben, why is it so important to find the person who was driving that car?”

Ben took several deep breathes. “Dad and I have to protect them because they’re my new
mom and little sister. They are in trouble. We have to help them. We have to keep them safe. I’m afraid they’re out there in the cold.”

Lisa saw the look of determination on the boy’s face. “If they are on the road between here and town, we will find them. If they are not, then we’ll call Todd when we get to town and get him to look for them.” Lisa put on her seatbelt. “Okay?”

“Thanks Aunt Lisa.” Ben sighed with relief. She did not think he was crazy. He put on his seatbelt and focused his attention on the side of the road. They would find them. Ben just knew they would. He just hoped it would be sooner rather than later.

Ten minutes passed and Lisa drove slowly while Ben scanned the area for any signs. Lisa did not say anything, but she was beginning to think they were not going to find anyone. She was about to give up when Ben yelled.

“There they are!” Ben almost jumped out of his seat as the edge of the SUV’s lights caught the blanket wrapped shape walking along the road. “You have to stop, Aunt Lisa. Now!”

Lisa pulled the SUV over just behind the person. She stared at the person, realizing the person carried something under the blanket. Could it be a child? She shook her head. This cold was not the place for anyone to be, especially a child.

Ben got out of the SUV and walked over to the person. After several minutes, he had the person walking back to the SUV. Lisa smiled, she knew the charm Ben had and how it affected people. Obviously, it had worked again.

Ben climbed into the back seat and the woman handed him a small bundle. She closed the door and climbed into the front passenger seat.

Lisa reached over and turned up the heat. “Ben check to make sure the heater is on high back there.”

“Yes, ma’am,” he said. Ben leaned forward and clicked a switch. He placed the bundle on the seat next to him, put seatbelts on him and the child in the bundle, and then wrapped his arm around her. “Both Haley and I are buckled into our seat. I won’t let anything happen to her.”

“Hi, I’m Lisa Mathers.” Lisa held out her hand to the woman now sitting next to her.

“It’s soon to be Anderson,” said Ben.

“Lisa Mathers…soon to be Lisa Anderson.” She corrected her introduction. “And that’s Ben Anderson, my nephew.” She jerked her head in Ben’s direction.

“Tara Wilson,” said the woman as she shook Lisa’s hand, but quickly pulled her hand away from Lisa’s hand.

She is cold and scared,
said Lisa’s bear.

Lisa agreed with her bear, but did not say anything. The woman’s hand felt like ice. Lisa did not see any gloves either.

“Was that your car we saw on the side of the road?” asked Lisa. She put the SUV back into drive.

“It is. I’ve got to get a mechanic to look at it as soon as possible.” Tara ran a shaky hand through her auburn hair causing it to pull away from her face.

“Where are you headed?” asked Lisa.

Tara pulled on her jacket. “Right now I’m headed to Bryant Station. Thank you for the lift.” She put her hands in front of the heater vents facing her.

Lisa nodded and turned her attention back to the road as she eased back onto the road. They only had about three fourths of a mile to go.

Tara sat quiet, but thankful for the heat. She glanced over her shoulder, checking on Haley. Ben had his arm wrapped protectively around Haley, who had cuddled up against him and gone back to sleep.

“What happened to your face?” Lisa glanced over at Tara just as she turned to look at her child in the backseat.

Tara’s hand instantly went up to her face. “It’s nothing,” she said.

Lisa shook her head. “That doesn’t look like nothing. Who hit you?”

Tara sighed. She knew, eventually, someone would question the bruises she had on her face. “I know it looks bad, but it’s okay. Really it is. Besides, you should see the other person. He looks a lot worse.”

“If you say so, but you need to have someone look at it anyway.”

Tara shrugged her shoulders. The bruises would eventually fade. She had other things to worry about, like staying ahead of Donald, but the broken car made the task more difficult. She hoped the town’s mechanic could repair the car. The sooner she was back on the road, the better off she and Haley would be.

CHAPTER 2

Lisa drove around The Blue Plate Diner looking for a parking place, but
couldn’t find one. She did a U-turn in the middle of the road and pulled into one of the few empty parking spaces in front of the hardware store across the street from the diner.

“The diner looks popular,” said Tara.

“It’s just a typical Friday night in a small Texas town.” Lisa turned off the SUV’s engine.

“Let me guess: food, beer, cheerleaders, and high school football, and that’s just before the game. Did I miss anything?” Tara raised an eyebrow at Lisa.

“Just the men reliving their high school football days,” said Lisa.

“And it’s always the homecoming game where Johnny either threw or caught the ball and made the winning touchdown just as the whistle blew signaling the end of the game.” Tara chuckled. “The only thing different is the name of the town. The men and the stories are the all same.”

“I take it you’ve been there and done that.”

“Yeah, but it’s been a long time. Sometimes we don’t realize what we’ve got until it’s too late.” Tara sighed. She wondered if she would ever be able to just sit back and enjoy life again. She loved Andrew and knew he loved her, but the marriage had been hell from the beginning because of her brother-in-law, and Andrew's death only made it worse. “Is there a mechanic or a wrecker service I can call to take care of the broken down monster?”

“There’s Eddy’s Garage,” said Lisa.

Tara nodded. She stared at the diner.

“Are you okay?” Ben leaned forward and put his hand on Tara’s shoulder causing her to jump. “I didn’t mean to scare you.”

“I was just lost in my thoughts for a few seconds. I’m okay, but thank you for asking,” said Tara. She turned away from them and pretended to be looking out the window so neither Lisa or Ben would see the tears forming in her eyes.

Ben frowned. He knew Tara wasn’t telling him the truth. She was not okay. Something was wrong. He glanced over at Lisa and raised his shoulders and eyebrows.

Lisa shook her head at Ben. “Let’s go to the diner and get something to eat while we get someone to take care of the car,” said Lisa.

Tara nodded, but before she could say anything Haley’s giggles filled the vehicle.

“I think Haley likes that idea. She’s hungry.” Ben unbuckled the seatbelts. He got out of the SUV and held out his arms to the little girl. She scooted over and all but jumped into his arms.

Tara got out of the vehicle. “Here, let me take her.” She held out her hands.

“No, my bear,” said Haley and buried her face in Ben’s chest.

Tara looked surprised. Haley never warmed up to people that quick, but here she was, clinging to the boy.

Ben hugged Haley to him. “It’s okay. I can carry her. I don’t mind.”

Tara reached into the backseat and grabbed the blanket she had wrapped around Haley when they started walking to town. “Here this will help keep her warm against the cold air.” She tucked it around Ben and Haley.

“She’s special. I won’t let anything happen to her.” Ben kissed the little girl on the top of her head.

“Yes, she’s special, and I know I can trust you.” Tara patted Ben’s check. The urge to wrap her arms around both children was strong. Tara wrapped her arms around herself, hoping it would help fight the urge.

“Is everything okay?” asked Lisa. She looked from Ben and Haley to Tara. Something was off. She sniffed the air.

Her bear yawned.
It is more fun to let them figure out the problem.
Her bear curled up and promptly went to sleep.

Lisa shook her head. Obviously, her bear did not think anything was wrong. “Tara, are you okay?”

Tara shook her head. “I’m just cold and tired. Are you ready?” She plastered a grin on her face. Tara mentally shook her head. She sounded like she was on a family outing rather than finding a mechanic, getting her car fixed, and getting back on the road.

Ben stepped closer to Tara and put his hand on her shoulder. “Everything will be okay. It really will.” Ben removed his hand from Tara’s shoulder and wrapped his arm around Haley who started wiggling and making noises. Ben bounced her. “
Shh! It’s okay. I’ll get you something,” he whispered to the child.

“Is she okay? What does she want?” Tara moved to take Haley from Ben.

“She’s just hungry,” said Ben. “I’ll take care of her when we get into the diner.” He started walking across the street, leaving Tara staring with her mouth open.

“Don’t worry about Haley. Ben’s good with kids.” Lisa smiled at Tara. “Let’s go get something to eat too.”

“But—”

“It’ll be my treat, my way of welcoming you to Bryant Station.”

Tara closed her mouth and nodded her head. Her brain flipped through everything she had seen since Lisa and Ben picked her up on the side of the road. Lisa had sniffed the air several times, and Ben was in a protective mode. Tara thought about her mom and step-dads. He and his family acted the same way as Lisa and Ben. Was it possible Lisa and Ben were shifters too?

“Are you coming?” Lisa turned back when she realized Tara
wasn’t behind her.

“I’m coming.” Tara tucked away her suspicions as she followed Lisa across the street to the diner.

Warm air, followed by voices, laughter, and music, rushed out of the building when Lisa opened the door. “Friday nights are kind of crazy, more so with it being a home game, but they’re all good people. A few months ago, I was the new girl in town, but for the most part I was welcomed.”

Tara raised an eyebrow.
“For the most part?”

Lisa shrugged. “I had a couple of the ladies not too happy about me attracting the attention of one of the town’s good looking bachelors.”

“I take it everything worked out for you and the bachelor.”

“It did. Come on in. Looks like Ben
has already snagged a table in the back.”

The minute she stepped into the room, Tara felt all eyes suddenly look at her. She tried not to laugh, but the whole situation was funny. Everyone was sizing her up, but she planned staying just long enough to get the car fixed and then she was gone. Tara followed Lisa as she wove her way through the tables and people. The place was definitely packed.

The table Ben picked was next to the far wall. Tara slipped off her coat and sat down in the chair with her back to the wall so she could scan the room and watch the front door. She looked around, making note of possible exits.

“Hey guys. Who’s this little cutie?” asked the
waitress as she handed everyone menus.

“Hey, Joy. This is Haley. She’s Tara’s daughter,” said Lisa. “Tara, this is Joy Anderson. She owns the diner and is the best baker in Texas.”

Joy rolled her eyes. “I just let you think that.” She held out her hand to Tara. “It’s nice to meet you. What brings you to Bryant Station?”

“Tara Wilson.” Tara shook Joy’s hand. “Actually my car broke down about a mile out of town. I need to find a mechanic who can tow it in and fix it. If you could point me to the nearest payphone and a phone book, I would appreciate it.” Tara felt like a huge cow, compared to the red head standing next to her. Joy was not skinny, but she was not fat either, at least nothing like Tara’s size eighteen frame. She wished she had kept on her coat. Tara pressed her lips together. Why was she worried about what she looked like?

“Don’t worry about that. While you decide what you want to eat, I’ll call Eddy. If it anyone can fix it, he can. Where did you break down?” asked Joy.

“She broke down about a mile east of town on Highway 36. It’s an older model sedan,” said Ben before Tara could answer.

“I’ll take care of that. Now, what would you like to drink?” Joy pulled a pen and pad out of her back pocket.

*              *              *

Jason wrinkled his nose against the odor of food, humans, and bears that assaulted him as he stepped into the diner. The musky bear scent and food aromas were not bad. It was the strong aftershaves, deodorants, and perfumes the humans wore offending his sensitive nose. Jason shook his head, wondering why they even bother with the stuff. It didn’t make them more attractive.

“Lisa and Ben are over there,” said David. He gestured to the back of the diner.

“Lead the way.” Jason nodded and waved at a group to his right who called his name. He looked around the crowded room.

Several people quickly turned away, but not before Jason saw the sympathetic looks, they threw his way. It bothered him that they thought he needed sympathy.

He was not upset. In fact, Tina leaving him was right up there with finding Allison, his mate, and Ben’s birth on his radar of good things. He only married Tina because she was pregnant and he thought the baby was his. He did not love her. Now, the only thing that could possibly make him happier were signed divorce papers, but for whatever crazy reason Tina refused to sign them.

Jason sighed.

“What’s wrong?” asked David. He glanced over his shoulder at his older brother.

“Nothing, just wishing Tina would sign the papers.”

“She will. Don’t worry.”

“I’m not worried, but I’m tired of the sympathetic looks,” said Jason. “They’re irritating.”

“Just ignore them. Sooner or later, the people will have something else to fixate on besides you.” David chuckled.

“Go ahead and laugh.” Jason punched David’s shoulder.

“Hey!” David turned around and punched Jason.

“Stop!
If you break anything in here, there will be hell to pay.”

Jason and David froze. Both turned toward the voice. Joy stood only a few feet from them. Her hands were on her hips and the look on her face told David and Jason, their cousin was serious.

“We were just going to sit down with Lisa and Ben,” said David.

Joy raised an eyebrow.
“Really? That’s not what it looked like to me.”

“We’ll behave,” said Jason.

“See that you do. With this crowd, your horseplay will cause a riot, my diner will be destroyed, and both of you will be responsible. Now go sit down, and I’ll bring you a couple of burgers when I bring out theirs.” Joy turned and walked away.

“I feel sorry for the guy who’s her mate. I don’t think there’s any bear strong enough to deal with her.” David shook his head.

“We had better sit down before she comes back.” Jason laughed. He pushed David.

“Watch it or I’m going to turn Joy loose on you.”

“Whatever! Go find your mate.” Jason shook his head and followed his brother but abruptly stopped. He looked around and sniffed the air.

Jason shook his head. He sniffed again.

It had to be his imagination playing tricks on him. He sniffed again. The scent was in the room. Jason felt like someone had just punched him in the stomach.

His bear stood and shook itself. It made a chuffing noise.
Mate,
it growled.

Jason took a deep breath. He pushed through all the other scents, focusing on just the honey and lemon scent.

Mate is here.
His bear nodded its massive head up and down and pushed closer to the surface.

Our mate cannot be here. Allison died a long time ago. You should remember that.
We’re imagining the honey and lemon scent.
Sadness filled Jason as a rush of memories hit him. The honey and lemon scent tickled his nose. He didn’t know how it was possible, but his mate was here. Jason shook his head. He wasn’t sure he wanted a mate, especially after dealing with Tina.

Lemon pie.
Mate smells like lemon pie. You know mate is here. Find her!
The bear swatted his huge paw at Jason’s ribs, causing him to grunt.

Settle down,
Jason ordered his bear.

Find mate. Want mate.

The honey and lemon scent wrapped around Jason, making his jeans tighter. Ben told him a mate was coming, but he hadn’t paid much attention. Bear shifters got one mate in their lifetime, if they were lucky enough to find them. He had not heard of anyone getting a second mate.

“Would you move out of the way? You’re blocking the aisle.”

“Sorry,” said Jason. He moved to let the irritated woman pass. A shudder rippled through his body as soon as her scent hit him. Thankfully, she was not the source of the honey and lemon scent. The woman looked too much like Tina.

The honey and lemon smell grew stronger. Jason looked around the room. He did not see anyone he did not know either personally or from his work as a veterinarian, other than the Tina look-alike, and he was thankful it was not her. However, not finding the source of the honey and lemon scent frustrated him almost as much knowing the scent
didn’t belong to Allison.

We need our mate.

Jason sighed.
Have you forgotten about Allison?

His bear growled.
I haven’t forgotten Allison, but she is gone. We have a mate here. We need her.