No One But You

She peered at him. “What’re you talking about?”

“I thought maybe you were Officer Harris’s sister or something. But no—you’re married to him.”

She stiffened at the mention of her ex-husband’s name. “Was married. Why? You know him?”

“Not personally.” Leaning forward, he poured a bit of cream in his coffee, added one sugar as he’d seen her do and slid the cup over to her. “You saw me drink out of this, so other than a few germs you wouldn’t otherwise encounter, you should be able to trust it.”

Surprised he’d be so direct, she floundered for something to say in return. “That’s not it. I’m just...jittery enough without the caffeine.”

He said nothing, but she could tell he wasn’t fooled by the lie.

“So...how have you heard of my ex-husband?” she asked, quickly changing the subject. “He didn’t have anything to do with...with the investigation...”

“No. I was arrested by a homicide detective. Officer Harris wasn’t involved in the case. But he dropped by last night.”

Her surprise overtook her anxiety, even made her forget about the cold air that seemed to be passing through her blouse like a mesh screen. “He came here? Why?”

Rain began to plink on the roof. “To let me know he’ll be keeping an eye on me,” he replied.

“For...”

“Anything I might do he doesn’t approve of, I suppose. Sounded like he was looking forward to the challenge of keeping me in line.”

Sadie figured she shouldn’t be surprised that Sly would try to bully Dawson. He was the big, tough cop—thought he could bully anyone. Of course he’d pile on when it came to the town pariah. “Was he in uniform?”

A wry smile tugged at Dawson’s lips. “His appearance wouldn’t have had the same impact without it.”

Her nails curved into her palms as the anger and bitterness she’d had to live with for so long once again rose inside her, burning her throat like bile. “Please tell me he didn’t mention me...”

“Not by name. Said there was a woman coming to interview with me in the morning. And that she wasn’t the person I was looking for.”

She felt her jaw drop. “He threatened you?”

“If you consider ‘You’ve had enough trouble, it wouldn’t be smart to ask for any more’ a threat.”

This was the first time anyone had been brave enough to admit that Sly had attempted to ruin her chances of gaining employment.

Too upset to sit any longer, Sadie came to her feet. “That...that...” She wasn’t sure if she meant to say “That isn’t fair” or “That really pisses me off,” because both sentences ran through her mind at once. But when she got angry, she often broke into tears, especially when it came to her ex-husband. He made her feel so helpless, so easily overpowered—and he was relentless in his determination to get her back or make her pay, supremely confident he’d win in the end.

Would she never be free of him?

Falling silent for fear her voice would crack, she turned so that Dawson Reed couldn’t see her face and stared out at the rain.

Thankfully, he didn’t press her to finish her statement. He sat behind her in silence, giving her time to compose herself.

“I’m sorry,” she said when she could speak without evidence of tears in her voice. “I know you’ve been through...quite an ordeal. I...I’ll get out of your way.”

She’d already started down the stairs when he spoke. “Mrs. Harris...”

“Please, call me anything but that.” She wished she could use her maiden name, but she knew how Sly would perceive such a move, how embarrassed he’d be. She’d do it one day. She’d made a promise to herself. But, at the moment, there were too many other, more important battles to fight—and win.

“Sadie.”

The rain was falling harder now, soaking her blouse and skirt, but she didn’t care that she was getting wet. She closed her eyes and turned her face up to the sky, letting it wash away her makeup and run her mascara. What did things like that matter, anyway?

“Don’t leave...” Dawson had followed her. From his voice, he was right behind her, but he didn’t touch her. She wished, if he was a deranged killer intent on committing another murder, he’d hurry up and get it over with, because she no longer had the energy to keep soldiering on. Sly made her feel that cornered, that hopeless.

But then she thought of Jayden being stranded with only Sly to guide him through life and came back to the truth: she couldn’t give up. If this wasn’t going to work, she’d have to figure out some other way to build a new life.

She left him in the yard, was almost to her car when he caught up and grabbed her by the arm. Thanks to the wind and rain, she hadn’t heard him following her. She nearly screamed, but he let go as soon as she turned, lifting his hands as if he’d only been trying to get her attention and had no plans to harm her. “Stay a little longer,” he said. “Please. We haven’t talked about the job.”

Because she was unable to hold her tears in check, they rolled down her cheeks, mingling with the rain. “You can’t hire me now,” she said. “You have no idea what he’ll do. He’ll make your life so miserable you’ll wish you were still in jail.”

He wiped the rain from his own face. “That’s a chance I’m willing to take.”

“Why?”

“I need you.”

Sadie shielded her eyes with one hand. “To make your meals? To clean your house? You can do that yourself—and save a lot of money.”

“That’s not it. I won’t be able to get my sister out of the institution where they put her if I don’t have someone to look after her while I’m on the farm. She’s mentally handicapped, could try to cook and burn down the house. Or go outside and wander off. There’s a pond out back. Wouldn’t be safe if she got around it.”

Sadie had forgotten about Angela Reed! She hadn’t been mentioned in the media since Lonnie’s and Larry’s bodies were discovered. Now that he’d brought her up, however, Sadie remembered reading, early on, that the Reeds’ daughter had to be institutionalized when they were killed and Dawson was imprisoned. She also remembered reading that Angela had been home during the murders but had been left unharmed, which wasn’t a point in Dawson’s favor. The police claimed her well-being served as proof that he was behind the killings, since only those who had to be removed in order for him to inherit had been harmed. “You want to bring her here?” she asked, gesturing at the weed-infested farm.

“I’m going to bring her here,” he clarified as if nothing could stop him. “This is her home. This is where she’d prefer to be. And she’s waited long enough. We both have.”

Sadie adjusted the strap on her purse. “So what would I be doing, exactly? I’ve never cared for someone who...who can’t manage the basics. You might have to advertise for a nurse or—”

“Angela isn’t on any meds. She manages, at a very basic level. She’s similar to...to a five-year-old. Like your son. She just needs some guidance, some reassurance and oversight.”

“And you can’t do it?”

“What if she got confused and wouldn’t come out of the bathroom? Or needed help in the shower? I couldn’t go in—but you could.”

“You’re saying I’d be like a...a female companion. A babysitter.”

“Exactly. You’d make sure she bathes every morning. Puts on clean underwear and clothes. Has a healthy breakfast and is able to watch her favorite shows. You’d read to her, play games with her, take her out for walks. And you’d fix her lunch and dinner, since I won’t be finished until sundown or later. You’d also do laundry and help keep the house clean so I won’t have that to face when I come in at night—pretty much everything you do for your son. But you could bring him along, watch them both at the same time, if you like. That would save on child care, if that’s something you’re paying for now. And Angela would love having a little boy around—she’s always loved kids. She’s gentle, sweet. You wouldn’t have to worry about her ever hurting him.”

Sadie loved the idea of spending more time with her son. Saving on child care, which was such a big part of her monthly budget, sounded appealing, too, not to mention how much she’d miss Jayden if she was working more hours.

But she wasn’t worried about Angela hurting her son...

Besides, Sly would never put up with her bringing Jayden to this place. He’d claim she was endangering their son, would use such “reckless behavior” against her if he ever did sue for custody. “I have a good situation for him already.” She paid Petra Smart, a mother who had three children of her own and lived down the street from her, to watch him, so she did feel as if he was in good hands. But the money. There was never enough money.

“That’s up to you, of course.”

She rubbed her arms against the cold. “So...while I help with your sister, you’re going to be doing...what? Putting this place back together?”

“Yes. I have to get it up and working, make it productive again. I’ll be honest. That’s the only way I’ll be able to care for us both—and pay you—beyond summer.”

With a sigh, Sadie wrung her hands. She’d be taking a big risk. Spending so much time alone with someone like Dawson. Letting go of the job she had now on the off chance that working as his sister’s caregiver might pan out. She’d never done anything like that before, had no idea whether she and Angela would get along.

But she had to make a change, couldn’t go on the way she was. She was falling further and further behind, and that hurt anyone who trusted her enough to give her credit. “You’re not going to perform a background check before giving me the job?”

“I’m a pretty good judge of character.”

“You are?”

“I knew your ex-husband was an asshole in about five seconds.”

She couldn’t help but laugh.

“I’m sure I’ll find nothing amiss,” he added. “Am I right?”

“Yes, but...you really shouldn’t take my word for it.”

“Beggars can’t be choosers, Sadie. How many people from Silver Springs are there who’d be willing to work for me?”

He had a point. The whole town was embittered. The Reeds had been well loved. Those who knew them wanted someone to pay for their deaths. And most were convinced it should be him. “Have you received any other calls on the ad?” she asked.

“I’ve had several. They all hang up as soon as they realize I’m the one who’s looking for help.” He shoved his hands into the pockets of a pair of faded jeans, which fit him so well she couldn’t help noticing. “So what do you say? Will you give it a shot? I promise you’ll get paid, at least for the next six months. Although I don’t have a lot, it’s enough to carry us through August.”

What then? She had a kid to take care of. If he couldn’t pay her, she’d have no choice except to go back to Sly. But she’d only have to go back to him sooner if she didn’t take this chance. “When would you like me to start?”

His lean, spare features softened with relief. “Is tomorrow too soon?”

She was so wet and cold now that she was beginning to shiver. “I’m a waitress over at Lolita’s Country Kitchen. I had no idea I’d get this job, still have to give two weeks’ notice.”

“Okay, but...can you come here when you don’t have to be there? I was hoping you’d be able to help me get the house ready so that I can prove I have a safe and clean environment for Angela. They’ll check before they let me take her.”

This was happening much quicker than Sadie had expected. “Sure. Okay. I get off at noon tomorrow. I’ll come over right after.”

“Thank you.”

With a nod and a wave, she trudged the rest of the way to her car. She had a new job. She’d be earning $3,000 a month—almost twice what she was earning now, which would allow her to make ends meet, stand on her own.

The prospect of maintaining her freedom brought such relief, such exhilaration. Finally, she had something to be happy about. She’d struck a deal with Dawson in spite of Sly. That single act of defiance felt good, as if she was taking another leap forward in regaining control of her life.

At the same time, she knew her ex wouldn’t be pleased. She had no idea how badly Sly might react. And, even more to the point, she’d be working in almost total isolation for a man who’d just been acquitted of a brutal double homicide.

She prayed she wasn’t letting desperation goad her into making a terrible mistake.

2

“You’re back early. Lolita’s must not have been very busy this morning.”

Sadie turned from locking her front door to find Maude Clevenger, her spry but elderly landlady, standing beneath the patio cover of her own backyard. Maude lived with Vern, her husband, also retired, in the elegantly restored Craftsman that fronted the small “guest” house Sadie rented, but Maude spent a lot of time trimming plants, building rock statues or adding the occasional gnome, ceramic frog or other ornament to her yard. She loved to show Jayden her latest find or treasure. “I haven’t been to Lolita’s,” she said. “I wasn’t scheduled today.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. I know you could use the hours.”

Maude was aware of her financial troubles because Sadie had been forced to ask if she could pay her rent in two separate payments the past few months. “It’s okay. I had a job interview somewhere else,” she said. “I only came home because I needed to change. I promised Jayden I’d take him to the park.”

“Where is Jayden?” She glanced around as if she was surprised she didn’t see him.

“With Petra Smart down the street. I’m on my way to get him.”

“I thought maybe his father took him...”

Maude was curious about her relationship with Sly, often asked leading questions, which Sadie did her best to answer without giving too much away. “No.”

“Is Sly at work, then?”

“I really can’t say. When I spoke with him last night, he didn’t mention his schedule.” And why would she ask? It wasn’t as if he’d help her out even if he wasn’t working. Sly never did his part when it came to parenting, but she had to be careful not to complain too loudly. She couldn’t let word get back to her ex-husband that she was trash-talking him. He was such a proud and private person—hard enough to deal with when he didn’t have a legitimate reason to be angry with her.

The jewels on Maude’s rings glinted as a shard of sunlight pierced through the clouds. “So? How’d the interview go?”

Sadie held her car keys at the ready. Although anxious to leave, she paused to finish the conversation. Maude got bored now and then and wanted to gossip. But she was essentially a good person. That she’d allowed Sadie to move in without a security deposit had been instrumental in Sadie being able to get out of the house she’d shared with Sly. Sadie would always be grateful to her. “Good. I got the job.”

“How wonderful!” She clapped her hands. “But I’m surprised you didn’t mention that you had an opportunity...”

Why would she mention it? She hadn’t been sure she’d keep the appointment. And she knew everyone would try to dissuade her, if they could, just as Sly had done. She wouldn’t have told him if he hadn’t been so adamant that she couldn’t afford to live separately from him and should come back. He’d actually invited her to live as a “roommate” for a while, until they could “figure things out.” But she could guess how long that would last... “I didn’t tell anyone, in case...in case it didn’t go well,” she explained.

“Apparently, you were worried for nothing! You got the job!”

“Yes.” She could meet her expenses without having to cave in to Sly’s demands. That brought her spirits up, gave her more hope than she’d felt in a long while.

The bangles on Maude’s arms clanged when she lifted her colorful muumuu to keep it from dragging as she walked closer. The rain had stopped, but the ground was still wet. “So where will you be working?”

Explaining this part wasn’t going to be as exciting as the rest. But nothing had been perfect in Sadie’s world for a long time. She figured she might as well hold her head high and accept whatever disapproval she’d encounter as a result of her decision to work for Dawson Reed. Word would get out eventually. It wasn’t as if she could keep what she did every day a secret. This community was too small for that.

“At the Reed farm.”

Maude’s mouth opened and closed twice before she managed a proper response. “You mean...where Lonnie and Larry were murdered?”

“That’s right. Their son’s planning to get the farm running again. He’s home now.”

“The adopted son who might’ve killed them?”

Sadie felt her smile grow strained. “Dawson was acquitted, in case you haven’t heard.”

“I’ve heard. It was all over the news. But...you’ve never worked on a farm, have you? What will you be doing?”

“I’ll be taking care of his sister.”

“Angela.”

“You know her?”

“Not personally. The Reeds belonged to my sister’s church. Chelsea saw them every Sunday, worked with Lonnie on various charity projects. She told me Angela was there the night of the murders.”

According to what had been reported on the news, Angela had been sleeping soundly and hadn’t been able to provide any details on what happened. First she’d said it was her brother. Then she’d said it wasn’t. “He’s bringing her home from the assisted living place where they put her when...when he was arrested.”

“Why?”

The ridge of Sadie’s car key bit into her palm, prompting her to ease her grip. “Because it’s her home.”

“But won’t that be traumatic for her—to return to the place where her parents were killed?”

“He claims that’s where she wants to be.”

Maude began to toy with the large chunk of amber she wore as a pendant around her neck, something she did whenever she became agitated. “You understand that even though he was acquitted, he still might be... I mean, will you be safe?”

“I hope so.” Afraid Maude would mention Jayden and her duty as a mother, Sadie shifted from one foot to the other. She had a responsibility to Jayden to be wise and responsible. That was true. But she also had a responsibility to provide, especially since Sly wasn’t much help. If one responsibility warred with the other—what was she supposed to do? She wasn’t going back to her ex. “Dawson seems plenty nice.”

“Most killers don’t announce their intentions right off the bat, Sadie.”

Some of the elation she’d been feeling dissipated, as she’d known it would once she had to tell people what she’d be doing. “I understand that, but a woman’s got to do what a woman’s got to do.”

“You’re feeling a little...desperate. But these are drastic measures, honey.”

Too drastic. That was the implication. Was she being foolish? “This is the only option I have left, Maude.”

Her landlady continued to caress her amber pendant. “Does Sly know you’ve taken a job from Dawson Reed?”

“Not yet.” Sadie didn’t care to go into the fact that she’d told him she was applying, and that he’d tried to ruin her chances.

“I can’t imagine he’ll be pleased...”

He wouldn’t—because this would ensure her autonomy, at least for a little while. She’d be able to finalize the divorce regardless of what he was willing to pay for child support. In order to continue to drag out the proceedings, he’d have to sue her for custody of Jayden. He’d been threatening to do so, but that would cost him in attorney fees, and he didn’t really want custody or he’d be more religious about exercising his visitation rights. “No.”

“He drives by almost every night,” Maude said.

Sadie didn’t need the reminder. She’d seen him herself. “I know.”

“He’s still in love with you, very concerned for your safety.”

What he felt had more to do with possession and control than love. He wasn’t concerned for her safety so much as worried she might start seeing someone else. He checked up on her constantly—at work, at home, at Jayden’s school—all under the guise of being a loving husband and father, and a dutiful police officer. But it was a farce. As far as she was concerned, he was stalking her.

“Yes. Well, I’m sure I’ll be fine,” Sadie said. “I’ll keep an eye out for anything that might be...worrisome.”

“Isn’t what’s already happened worrisome?” Maude asked, but Sadie couldn’t listen. If Sly was her only other alternative, she was willing to take a risk, even a big one like this.

“I’d better go. Jayden’s waiting for me.” She’d promised him a celebration, one that included ice cream and an hour or two at the park. She’d been looking forward to spending some time with him when she didn’t feel as if she might be crushed beneath the pressure she’d been under. She’d be putting in more hours now that she had a second job, knew she wouldn’t get to see him as much in the coming two weeks, so there was that, too.

But Maude’s reaction had stripped the shine from her excitement. Her landlady didn’t approve of her decision. Sadie doubted anyone else would, either. And now that she’d shared her plans, word would begin to spread.

Sly would be banging on her door before nightfall.

* * *

Sly contacted her even sooner than expected. Sadie’s heart skipped a beat the moment she heard her cell phone ding and glanced down to see a text from him while she was at the park with Jayden.

So? Did you go this morning?

She stared at those words, wishing he could simply disappear from the planet. Perhaps that wasn’t a generous thought, but she’d been feeling smothered for so long she’d begun to fantasize about a world where he didn’t exist.

“Mommy! Watch!”

Sadie shaded her eyes so she could see her son go down the slide. Fortunately, the sun was out and the sand wasn’t too soggy from the rain earlier. She’d been playing with Jayden for two hours. They needed to get going so she could take care of some banking, shopping and other errands. But Jayden was having so much fun she’d decided to give him a few more minutes. “Wow! Look at you!” she said. “You’re getting to be such a big boy.”

“I’m going again!” he announced but got distracted by a shovel and pail a little girl, maybe six, was using near the swings.

As soon as Sadie felt confident his new friend was willing to share and that the mother didn’t mind, she returned her attention to Sly’s text. If she didn’t respond, he’d only call her or come over later.

Yes, I went, she wrote.

Are you fucking kidding me?

She blanched at the profanity. She could hear him screaming that at her...

Please tell me you didn’t take the job, he wrote.

I need the work, she wrote back.

That’s a yes? You took a job from a killer????

Her phone rang. It was Sly, of course, anxious to shout at her. Texting ugly things wasn’t nearly as satisfying; he craved a full verbal assault.

She pressed the Decline button, but after the ringing stopped, her phone pinged again. Answer, damn it!

When she didn’t respond to that, either, he kept calling.

Finally, with a sigh, she picked up. She figured she might as well get this over with while Jayden was distracted. Why subject her sensitive child to another argument between Mommy and Daddy if she could possibly avoid it? “Sly, what I do with my life is up to me,” she said in lieu of a greeting.

“That’s bullshit. Don’t let Dawson Reed fool you. He’s dangerous. I won’t have my wife anywhere near him, especially out there on the farm alone. Do you know how many places he could hide your body?”

Ducking her head so that her voice wouldn’t carry, she murmured, “I’m not your wife anymore.”

“Yes, you are. The divorce isn’t final.”

“That’s a technicality.”

“So? You’re the mother of my child. That means I should have some say.”

“No, it doesn’t! I’m taking proper care of Jayden. If you’re concerned that he’ll be at Petra’s too much, you can watch him yourself when you’re not at work. That would be a great way to make sure he remains safe.” She wasn’t convinced spending so much time with Sly would be good for Jayden, however. She’d hate to subject him to more of his father’s disapproval. Sly was so disappointed that their son wasn’t the rough-and-tumble boy he’d expected that he couldn’t help making snide comments: What do you mean, you don’t want to watch basketball with me? All boys—real boys—love sports... Why do you let him put on your lipstick? Are you trying to turn him into a fag? On and on it went. One time when Sly had taken Jayden for a few hours, she’d arrived to pick him up only to find him in time-out—for telling his father he preferred dance lessons to Little League.