Nightwatch (18 page)

Beside her, Jill saw Mitch reach for the toddler's bare foot and give it a gentle squeeze before he said, “That sounds like the best idea I've heard today.”

He laughed aloud and grabbed his side when Jill arched one eyebrow and stared so pointedly at him. “Okay, the second best,” he said with an earsplitting grin. “Marrying you is the absolute best. Honest.”

T
hanks to his injury, Mitch was forced to take the next three weeks off work. He chose to spend them with Jill and the children, much to her delight. Tim was still acting as if he didn't trust any adult to care for his siblings but there were times, like now, when his unnecessary concern came in handy.

She and Mitch were able to meet with Harlan and talk openly about the Pearson case because Tim was busy in the living room, showing Megan and Paul how to use the new teaching video Mitch had bought them.

“More coffee, Sheriff?” Jill asked, holding up the carafe.

“No, thanks. I'm fine. I just stopped by to fill you in on the latest.”

She came to stand behind Mitch and touched his shoulder. He covered her hand with his and left it there while they both listened.

“Natalie was the instigator. And the embezzler, just like we thought. She'd lost piles of money gambling and was doing everything she could to blame it on others.”

“Like the men Rob fired, you mean?”

Harlan nodded. “Particularly one of them. She'd cooked the books to make it look as if Vernon Betts was so old and addled that he'd made a bunch of costly mistakes. Now that it's all been sorted out, Thad's given Vernon his job back and says he's the best worker he's ever had.”

“Wonderful.” Mitch closed his fingers around Jill's and smiled up at her. “The kids are doing well, too.”

“Looks like you all are,” Harlan said knowingly. “Are you interested in hearing more about who took Megan and where she was all that time?”

“It was the gamblers, right?” Jill said, glancing toward the doorway to make sure the children weren't eavesdropping.

“Yup. It all made sense once I got the details sorted out. The woman who was babysitting Megan had no idea we were turning the town upside down looking for her. She'd been hired by Natalie's crooked buddies to take care of the little girl for a few days. As soon as they got the forged papers they needed, they were planning to ship the baby out of the country just the way Natalie said.”

Jill felt Mitch's shoulder quiver beneath her touch. She knew how he felt. The thought of that innocent little girl being sold like an animal was enough to unnerve the strongest person.

“Thank God we found out in time,” Jill said.

“Yeah.” Harlan nodded sagely. “I know a lot of folks claim there aren't any more real miracles these days but this sure felt like one. Too many odd things came together just right for me to believe it was an accident that we figured everything out before it was too late.”

He drained his coffee cup and pushed away from the table. “Well, I guess that's about it. Any other questions?”

“Only a couple,” Jill said. “What about the man who chased me through the forest?” She felt Mitch's fingers tighten over hers as she added, “I'd hate to think he's still out there.”

“He's not. I convinced the gamblers that the DNA in the lost stocking cap matched one of their samples and they couldn't wait to confess and blame each other.”

“You didn't really have a match?”

“Not yet. Those tests can take months, especially if there's no threat to life involved. Now we won't have to worry about it.”

Mitch was shaking his head. “Okay, we know they were responsible for the bomb, too. But what about the second set of arson fires? Why did they set those?”

“They didn't,” Harlan said, looking at Jill. “Remember a teenager you fostered about a year ago? His name was Gilbert.”

She nodded, thoughtful. “Of course. He had an unhealthy fascination with fire. That was one of the reasons I finally had to give him up.”

“Well, it turned out he was the one who snuck around and lit those little fires. He said he was jealous when he heard you'd taken in a couple of younger boys and he just wanted to make trouble.”

“So, all the threat is gone?” Mitch asked.

“Yup. Serenity has returned to Serenity.” The sheriff levered himself to his feet. “So, when are you two gettin' hitched?”

“News travels fast in this town,” Jill said, grinning back at Mitch when he smiled at her. “I guess we shouldn't keep everybody wondering. We've talked to Brother Malloy and it looks like he'll be able to perform the ceremony before Thanksgiving. We're looking forward to spending the holiday here, together.”

“The kids too?” Harlan asked.

Mitch answered, “Yes. We're already like a family. If things work out the way we hope, we'll be adopting them real soon.”

A collective squeal came from the direction of the doorway. Tim, Paul and Megan had overheard.

Mitch held out one arm toward them while Jill crouched next to his chair and did the same.

As the children gathered around her and the man she loved and they shared a mutual embrace, she realized that her fondest dreams had come true.

There was nothing more to say. They were a family.

Dear Reader,

I spent many years working with elementary-school children. That's probably why, when it comes time to write about them, I usually create characters between four and eight years old. Those are the ages I think I understand—as much as any adult can. In those days I saw my job as a way to demonstrate the love of Christ in a secular atmosphere. Now I do it mostly in print.

This is the first book in my new miniseries, The Defenders, that features the work of CASA volunteers. These court-appointed special advocates represent children in regard to the legal system, appearing before any judge who is being asked to decide their fate. It's a thankless, unpaid position that must make all of heaven rejoice, especially when there is a happy ending.

I pray that your personal happy ending includes a commitment to Jesus Christ. Mine certainly does. I love to hear from my readers. The easiest way to reach me is by email, [email protected], or send a letter to P.O. Box 13, Glencoe, AR 72539. You can also see my other work at www.valeriehansen.com.

 

Blessings,

1. Have you ever known a real firefighter? Was he or she like Mitch Andrews? In what ways?
   
2. Do you think Jill was being foolish to go to the scene of the fire? Were the other bystanders wrong, as well, or is it common for tight-knit communities to gather like that in times of tragedy?
   
3. Did you notice how well the boys accept the loss of their parents? Have you ever had to break news like that to a child? How did they react? How did you?
   
4. Do you know anyone who is a foster parent? How can the authorities tell which families are both willing and capable?
   
5. Have you ever imagined that the Lord is answering your prayers one way, then later discovered you were all wrong? Please explain.
   
6. People who are strong willed can be difficult to deal with. What's the difference between Jill and Natalie? How are they the same? Different?
   
7. You may have noticed that I chose not to include the impressionable children in the funeral plans. Should they have attended? Why or why not?
   
8. After Megan disappears, Tim, the oldest Pearson child, is much harder to handle. Are you the eldest
   in your family, and if so, do you feel responsible for the younger members?
   
9. What about Jill's farm and house dogs? Are they necessary? Do they help the children adjust? Have you ever confided in a pet?
   
10. Jill is the kind of heroine who insists on getting involved, even though Mitch tells her not to. Are you like that? Has it gotten you into trouble in the past?
    
11. Why does Jill get mad at Mitch when he tells her he's just doing his job, rather than say he is acting solely on her behalf? Is that fair? Is it typical that he doesn't understand her female reasoning? How?
    
12. Mitch says something that isn't true when he's trying to distract the killer. Should he have stuck to the truth and trusted God to bail them out? Why or why not?
    
13. Lots of times people think they're doing the right thing, then later realize it was wrong. Is that an insurmountable sin or is forgiveness waiting?