Chapter 6
“Boy, this is a big room, Dr. Shepherd. And really nice.”
“Thanks. Maisy and I remodeled the whole place.” Caleb didn’t take his eyes off Harlan. “And since you’re going to be living in my home, you can call me Caleb. Like Freddie does.”
“Okay.” Harlan sniffed. “What’s that smell?”
“Maisy brought over potpourri. If it’s too strong for you, I can remove it.”
“Nah. The stuff smells good.”
They were still standing in the doorway. “Would you like to lie down or talk more?” Caleb asked.
“I’m tired again.”
“Then you’ll sleep.”
Harlan crossed to the desk and put his bag on it--a battered suitcase, filled with belongings provided by Pathways. The poor kid. Teenagers today wore designer sneakers and popular clothes. Later, Caleb could take him to shop for some new stuff.
Harlan kicked off his shoes and stretched out on the bed.
Caleb pulled up the navy throw at the bottom of the mattress. “Sleep, buddy.”
The boy nodded…then nodded off.
For a few minutes, Caleb watched him, hoping he’d made the right decision.
You have, son.
Nope, none of that . He wasn’t going there ever again.
He left the room, closed the door and trundled downstairs. He reached the bottom just as the doorbell rang. He hoped it was Gemma. He could use her support now.
But no. Marlena, his wife , stood on the front porch. She looked ridiculous in a summer raincoat. It was over eighty degrees out.
Annoyance rose quickly in him. “What the hell are you doing here?”
A smarmy smile that used to charm him. “Is that any way to talk to your wife?”
“Soon to be ex-wife. There’s a way to obtain a divorce without your signature. I’m pursuing that.” He hadn’t had time to do it yet but she wouldn’t know that.
And right there under the porch light, she opened the coat and let it fall to the cement. He nearly jumped back. She stood before him in a skimpy black bra and thong. She’d never worn that kind of lingerie before.
Ah, she came here to seduce him.
“You’re embarrassing yourself, Marlena. Pick up the coat and go away.”
“I want you back.” She leaned in. “We had a good sex life.”
“Up until you betrayed me.” His voice had risen.
“Let’s go to bed and settle this there,” she whispered.
“I will never sleep with you again.”
“Well, that’s good to hear.” A saner voice and a sober one. Behind the half-naked woman Caleb saw Gemma had arrived.
Quickly, he stepped outside and around Marlena. He grabbed Gemma’s hand to keep her from leaving. “Come inside.”
She hesitated.
“Please.”
She nodded and went into the house. Marlena tried to follow her, but he blocked this crazy woman. And took out his phone. “Now you leave or I’ll call 911. The cops can take you away.”
“You wouldn’t.”
“That’s where you’re wrong.”
“You fucking son-of-a-bitch.” She let loose with more expletives. Her voice rose with each one.
Could this get any worse?
From up the staircase to the left of the foyer, a voice filtered downstairs. “Caleb, I heard you yelling. Are you all right?” Harlan sounded scared.
Great, just great.
* * *
“What’s going on, Dr. Kendrick?” Harlan sat against the pillows on his bed. “I never heard Caleb shout like that.”
Gemma had come right up here and sat on the desk chair she’d pulled over. “Neither have I.” And, man, he was a force to be reckoned with. She’d expected to find him wallowing in his house.
“Who was that woman?”
How much to share with the boy? He’d have to know some things. “Caleb was married before. He assumed the divorce went through, but his soon-to-be ex never signed the documents. He’ll file again.”
“She sounded…vicious.”
“I’m afraid she is.” She took Harlan’s hand. “Let’s table that until you get to ask Caleb any other questions you have. I want to talk about you.”
“Is this a counseling session? Caleb said he couldn’t help me professionally if I was living with him.”
“I’m planning to be your counselor, Harlan. I care about you. And you slit your wrists. I want to know how you are tonight.”
“Like I said, I feel stupid for what I did. I don’t want to die.”
“Whew!” She squeezed his hand. “I’ve dealt with suicidal patients before and the majority of them said right after they took pills or harmed themselves physically, they regretted it.”
“Huh. So I’m not such a freak.”
“Oh, you’re anything but. Consider this: if you were such a bad person, would you have two psychologists of our caliber in your corner?”
He blew out a heavy breath. “I never thought of it that way.”
“What are you two talking about?”
Caleb was at the door. What a day he’d had. He looked drained.
“Hi.”
“Hi. To both of you. And Harlan, I apologize that you heard me losing my temper like that.”
“Sounded like she had it comin’, Rev.”
“I guess she did.” He leaned against the jamb. “Anybody hungry?”
“Not me. I wanna sleep.”
“Okay. There’s a bathroom right there.” He pointed to a door to the right inside his room.
“Yeah. I’m gonna use it now.”
“Your suitcase is in there.”
When Harlan got off the bed and went into the bathroom, Gemma said, “The woman’s crazy.”
“She seemed crazed. I’ve never seen her like that before. She definitely needs help.”
“Not from you, Caleb.”
“No, not from me.”
Harlan came back wearing pajama bottoms and a t-shirt with the Pathways logo on the front. Caleb drew back the covers. Soon he was situated under the blankets. The air conditioner was on and it was cool in here.
Caleb reached over and turned off the lamp on the nightstand.
“Goodnight you guys.”
“Goodnight.” This from Caleb. “I’m staying until you fall asleep.”
Gemma added, “Me, too.”
“Ain’t that something? Nobody ever tucked me in before.”
Again, Gemma’s heart hurt for him.
Soon, the sound of his rhythmic breathing filled the air.
They got up then and Caleb waited for her at the door. He took her hand and they walked downstairs together.
Once seated on the couch, Caleb put his arm around Gemma and drew her close. She nuzzled into him.
Before they could talk, she closed her eyes. Sleep came.
* * *
He was dreaming about Gemma. He could feel her body close to his. Coming fully awake, he said, “Oh!” It wasn’t completely a dream. He and Gemma lay stretched out on the couch, her face nestled in his chest. He pulled up the fleece throw and kissed her head. Despite the fact that he was aroused, he luxuriated in holding her.
Soon, she awoke. “Oh!”
His fingers grazed her bare arms. “Yeah, I didn’t remember either.”
She lay back into his chest. The scent of lavender from her shampoo filled his nostrils. “How’d we get here?”
“We were both exhausted. We sat down and you conked out. I could have gone up to my room, but…” he shrugged “I couldn’t resist sleeping with you next to me.”
“I’m glad you didn’t. Is Harlan up?”
“No. It’s only seven. I checked on him twice last night and he was sound asleep. But even if he was awake, he’d be okay with this.”
“I hope so.” She touched her hair. “I probably look frightful.”
“You looked mussed.” A smug male grin. “Like you do after sex.”
She glanced down. She’d gone home and changed into summer khaki pants, a T-shirt. Her sweater was on the arm of the chair.
“Let’s sit up.” He swung his feet to the floor. He wore wrinkled suit pants and the white dress shirt he’d had on at the graduation.
She righted herself. “You can go shower.”
“I can’t do anything before coffee. I’ll go make some. Why don’t you go take a peek at Harlan this morning.”
As she climbed the stairs, he went to the kitchen and made coffee. Once it brewed, the bitter-sweet scent filled the air. Back in the living room, he saw her come down to the first floor. “He’s still sound asleep.”
“He needs it.”
They made chitchat while the pot brewed, then he fetched them two mugs, filled them and brought them to the couch. She sipped the strong brew. “You remembered the sugar.”
“Just a bit, right?”
“Hmm.”
They were quiet, enjoying the simple moment.
Which ended when Gemma asked, “What are we doing, Caleb?”
“I don’t know. Certainly the issue we had initially—which feels like it was eons ago—doesn’t seem to matter to me anymore. There are so many real problems.” He glanced upstairs. “Like his.”
“I’m glad to hear you say that. I feel the same way. Do you think Marlena’s done with you?”
“No.”
“Me, either.”
The doorbell rang. Caleb, the ex-pastor, swore vividly. “What now?” But he got up and strode to the door before the bell could ring again. On his porch stood Mick Thomas. “Hi, Chief.”
“Caleb. I hope it’s not too early. I need to talk to you.”
“Sure. Come in.” The chief stepped inside and they crossed to the living room. His gaze landed on Gemma. “Uh-oh. I interrupted something.”
“No, you didn’t. You remember Gemma Kendrick from Pathways.”
“Yeah, Dr. Kendrick. Nice to see you again.”
“You, too.”
“We fell asleep on the couch,” Caleb explained. “Besides, there’s a child here. Harlan Ford’s upstairs.”
“I’m glad to hear he’s staying with you. For how long?”
“As long as he wants.”
“You have a lot on your plate.” He looked around. “I’m sorry I’m going to add to it.”
Gemma stood and picked up their mugs. “I’ll get us more coffee. Want some, chief?”
“Yeah.”
“If you’d like to talk in private, I’ll go upstairs. I want to be here when Harlan wakes up.”
“No, actually, you can stay for this.”
When the three of them were settled with coffee, he turned to them. “Marlena Shepherd was arrested last night. Police were called because she was wandering the streets. She was high on something. So we took her in.”
“I probably could have handled her showing up here better. I kicked her out. I didn’t know she’d wander.”
“Her actions are not your fault, and it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. I went to interview her about three this morning. She rambled on and on. But I caught some things.”
“What?” Caleb asked. His spine was tingling.
“She mentioned the bombing.”
“Of Pathways?”
“Yes. And of your church, Caleb. We arrested her on suspicion of terrorism, arson and malicious destruction of property for both incidents.”
Caleb dropped his mug. It fell to the table, cracked and spilled coffee all over the rug. He stared down at it blankly.
Gemma got up, went to the kitchen and came back with paper towels. She sopped the mess and cleared the shards of ceramic.
Finally, he looked up. “I don’t get the Pathways bombing. Involving the school seems a ridiculous way to get back at me.”
“Maybe she knew how much you care about that place.”
“The mind of a psychotic person is chaotic and confused. So that may be it.” He paused. “Did Marlena do all this alone?”
“No, she had an accomplice.”
“Who?”
“Saul Jacobs.”
Caleb’s jaw dropped. “Seriously? He came to see me. To ask for forgiveness for having an affair with Marlena.”
Mick shook his head. “These people!” He held Caleb’s gaze. “But it gets worse. We’re still holding Jacobs, but I’m here on official business to alert Marlena Shepherd’s next of kin. I’m afraid that’s you.”
“What happened?”
“She hanged herself in her cell.”
* * *
After Chief Thomas left, Gemma stared over at a shell-shocked Caleb. He didn’t wither at the news, but his sadness was palpable. She sipped her coffee and let him be where he needed to be. But she wasn’t leaving him. Eventually, she asked, “Can I do something for you, Caleb?”
“No, it’s a lot to take in.”
At least she’s out of our lives , Gemma thought selfishly.
“Her actions are not your fault.”
“Of course they aren’t.”
“I’m glad you feel that way.”
He met her gaze. “You should call Jackson. The chief said he was going to do it, but I’m sure Jackson would like to hear it from us.”
“I agree.” She took out her cell, pressed contacts and listened to the ring.
“Jackson Kane.”
“Hi, it’s me, Gemma. Did you talk to Mick Thomas?”
“I just got off the phone with him.”
“He told us that our school was targeted only to hurt Caleb.”
“That’s a fair assumption. From what the chief described of her actions, she is one troubled woman. How’s Caleb?”
“I’m here with him. He’s shell-shocked.”
“That poor man. Put your phone on speaker.”
When she did, they heard, “I’m so sorry, Caleb. You’re such a good man. All you ever wanted was to help people.”
“That’s true. But I’m not going to brood over this. I have reasons to stay sane.”
“Well, take your time to adjust to everything. And to the news from the chief.”
“I will. Are you at home, Jackson?”
“Yeah. I can take the morning off, but I have to get the guys ready for their dismissal tomorrow so I’ll go in around noon.” A pause. “Geez, I didn’t even ask how Harlan is.”
“I’m happy to say he’s much better. He’s sleeping still but he was upbeat last night when he came here.”
“How long will he stay with you?”
“As long as he needs to.” Caleb watched Gemma. She nodded her agreement. “I hope it’s a long time.”
“Hey, boss. It’s Gemma again. Do I have your permission to counsel Harlan?”
“Of course. Even though he’s not a student. We routinely follow up with the boys.”
“Yeah, I know.”.
“Okay, you two. I’m going to go sit with my wife now. She always makes me feel better. Call if you need anything.”
“Will do.”
After they disconnected, Caleb turned to her and cupped her cheek. “You always make me feel better, too.”
“Thank you, Caleb. The same goes for me.” She slid over close to him and put her hands on his chest. “I love you, Caleb Shepherd.”
A grin. “Oh, wow! I love you too.” His eyes twinkled. “Will you marry me?”
She seemed surprised at first then she grinned. “I will. I want to.”
They kissed, drew apart and both laughed.
“Looks like I interrupted something special.” They turned to see Harlan standing at the bottom of the stairs. “I can go back upstairs.” His voice was teasing.
“You’ll do no such thing, Harlan,” Caleb said. “Come over here. Share our joy.”
The boy smiled. “I like the sound of that.”
Gemma knew he had a long way to go but she was up to that challenge. And it seemed as if Harlan was, too.
* * *
Three days later, Harlan turned 18. He didn’t want a party so he, Gemma and Caleb were planning dinner out tonight. The boy walked through the door smiling.
“Hey, how was the counseling?” Caleb asked.
Harlan had seen Gemma every day because he’d been a suicide risk.
“Super. She really lifts me up.”
“I’m glad. You can see her as much you like. I know she’ll make herself available.”
“Yeah. We, um, made some plans. I hope it’s okay that we did without consulting you.”
“If it’s about you living here, I won’t take no for an answer.”
“I’m staying here.” He held up something. It was his sketchbook.
“I showed this to Gemma. She said the images were disturbing until lately, since I been with you. They’re more optimistic.”
“Glad to hear that. Will you show me them?”
“Sure.” They sat.
Harlan opened the book. The first new drawing was of the two of them. They were standing arm and arm, in front of his house.
“Harlan, this is so good. The house, me, you. The subjects are depicted so well.”
“Thanks. Wait for it, though.” He turned the page. Gemma’s face stared out at him. Instead of charcoal, he’d drawn her in living color—the russet of her hair, the green of her eyes. He even got the peach sundress right. “I’m speechless.”
“Aw.”
When he found his voice, he asked, “Can I have this one?”
“Eventually. I’ll tell you why when you finish.”
There were five more pages. Some of people—Maisy and Jackson—one of a dog that Caleb thought might bark right off the page. Freddie. Then some landscapes. But no dragons or weapons.
“Wow. You’re a fantastic artist. Tell me why I can’t have Gemma’s portrait now.”
“Her and me talked about my future. She asked if I could have any job I wanted what would it be. I said an artist. Pathways trained me in a trade—welding—but since I have a place to stay, I thought maybe I could pursue my art. For a while at least. Gemma had some ideas how.”
“All this is fine by me.”
“We went online and there are some art classes in Syracuse for more formal training.”
“I could drive you there. Or you could get your license and take the car.”
“Thanks, Caleb. There’s also some intern assistants wanted right here in Westwood. She texted links to me. She said I was in a good enough place to go after them myself.” A big grin. “So I’m going to call them today.”
Caleb felt his eyes mist. “Oh, Harlan, this makes me truly happy.”
“I figured it would. There’s one more thing. I want you to know that it’s your house and Gemma can move in any time before the wedding. I’m a big boy and know the ways of the world.” He laughed at his own phrasing.
“I hear you. Though we’re planning to get married soon. We don’t want any fanfare, just close friends.”
“Congrats, Rev.”
“Thanks, son.”
* * *
After things settled down at Pathways, Pax received a call from Jackson Kane to come in for a meeting. He’d packed up the Syracuse clinic with great sadness and was thinking about his next move. He missed medicine already.
He climbed the steps to the administration building and walked into reception. A big guy with bright red hair looked up from the desk, then stood. He came around to the front. “You must be Dr. Barry.”
“Pax.”
“Harry.” They shook hands. “Jackson’s waiting for you.”
He led Pax to a door and it opened to an office. “Hi, Jackson. Pax is here.”
Jackson stood and came around the desk, too. “I’m glad you came to see me, Pax.”
“Of course.” It wasn’t like Pax had a lot of options these days. “You’re all dressed up.”
Jackson wore a crisp white shirt, open at the top, with a taupe blazer and pants.
“Yep. I’m in a wedding this afternoon. Let’s sit over here.” Before Jackson joined him, the intercom buzzed. “Maisy’s on the phone. She told me not to bother you but you said to patch though any calls from her.”
“I’ll talk to her,” he said as he was connected. “Hey honey. Everything’s okay…Yeah, yeah, I got it. I won’t forget.”
As Jackson spoke to his wife, Pax took a chair at the conference table and noticed that the CEO’s office was average size, with shelving and his big desk. Pictures of graduates of Pathways lined the walls. Then some of Jackson and a small group of people he presumed were the teachers here. And one set of shelves sported pictures of a woman and a child.
When he finished the call, he sat too. “Sorry about that. I always take her calls.”
“You’re a good husband.” Pax hadn’t been. He’d ignored Alice and poured everything into his cardiac practice and surgeries. He had no idea how ephemeral it all had been.
“She’s the light of my life,” Jackson said grinning. “Are you married, Pax?”
“I was. Divorced now. No kids.”
“We have one and another on the way.”
“Lucky you.”
“So, did you get your clinic closed?”
“Yeah, that was hard. I felt so…useful there.”
“I did a little research on you. You were a successful surgeon at Memorial Hospital in Syracuse for a long time.”
“If you know that, you know I killed someone.”
Jackson watched him. “So did I, Pax.”
His jaw dropped. “That’s hard to believe. How old were you?”
“Fifteen. I was driving high with my homies from a gang and hit a lady. We didn’t even stop. I saw the news online the next day. She was dead at the scene.”
“You were in a gang?”
“Much to my regret. But some good people helped change the direction of my life.”
“That’s why you opened Pathways.”
“Yes.”
“So, why am I here?” Pax asked.
“I wanted to interview you for a job with us.”
“After what I did? The only job I could get was at a clinic where nobody wanted to work.”
“Was it rewarding?”
“Very. But I have no references and no experience with troubled boys.”
“Neither did I. Would you want to work at our medical center? We have parttime doctors but could use a full time one.”
“I can’t believe you’d want me.”
“Do you want the job?”
“To be honest, I’d rather do clinic work. I can help more people that way. But I guess that isn’t a choice, now.”
“Don’t be so sure. I have a plan B.”
Pax chuckled. The man was relentless. “What is it?”
“Work here one day a week. You’d be a good example to my kids who’ve made many mistakes. Then I’ll fund a clinic in town for you to run.”
“ What ?”
“Like you said, I only help six boys a year here. I’ve wanted to do something more for the community in Westwood. They had a clinic and it closed years ago.”
“So this isn’t to help me?”
“Not only that. I’ve been thinking about a downtown clinic for a while now. When you saved Harlan’s life and told me your clinic was closing, the idea gelled.”
“How is he?”
“Flourishing. He lives with Caleb Shepherd and his soon-to-be wife. He has a background too. There’s a lot of wounded people in this town who help out here.”
Wounded . Pax had never thought that he was wounded. But Jackson had pegged him right away.
Sighing, Pax sat back, trying to take all this in.