3
Emma turned onto the county road leading to her best friend Samantha’s home. If Mr. Ted, the girls’ former neighbor and grandfatherly mentor, hadn’t died and left Sam his house in Tennessee, Emma would be hiding out in Wisconsin. Being far from the fallout of Runyard’s crime, she had tranquility and a chance to think about the next steps in her life. And the next steps had better come quick because without a paycheck and with evaporated savings, she barely had any funds.
Her stomach gurgled and ached. She should blame the dollar hotdogs roasting at the quick mart. Rehashing how her ten-thousand-dollar inheritance from her grandmother disappeared into Runyard’s secret offshore accounts, she readied to pull over and puke.
She slowed her Beetle and put on her turn signal. The bridge over the creek was up ahead on the left. Tall oaks and pines swayed gently in the nighttime shadows as if welcoming her back to Whispering Creek. Four weeks prior, she had celebrated Christmas here with Sam and her new boyfriend, Cole. The happiness and joy seemed like a decade ago. She prayed her bestie’s home would provide a refuge and a foundation to find a part-time job.
Checking her rearview mirror, she made sure she hadn’t been followed to her haven. No headlights glowed in the darkness this close to midnight. She wished she could shake the insecurity that someone was trailing her. South of Springfield, Illinois, she remembered to shut off the tracking on her phone and to power it down. She scanned every gas mart parking lot for a black SUV with Wisconsin plates. Swallowing the sour saliva in her mouth, she uttered a quick prayer to God. A truckload of prayers had been offered on her journey. She didn’t want to bring trouble to her friend’s porch steps. She’d do everything possible to keep Sam safe.
After crossing the bridge, she banked right toward Mr. Ted’s house, now Sam’s house. If anyone on this earth could make her feel safe it was her bestie. Emma wouldn’t be praying to God if it wasn’t for Sam. Her friend invited her to church, brought her to Sunday school, convinced her to try youth group, and whisked her to the pastor when Emma desired to follow Jesus. Too bad her own parents thought her relationship with God manifested as a personal mystical experience. She could sure use their prayer support right about now.
Light flooded from the living room window. She parked on the asphalt next to Sam’s white SUV and quickly texted her mom that she had arrived without mentioning where. Stepping onto the drive, she stretched her arms toward the stars and eased the tension from her spine. A blanket of evergreens fragranced the air with the aroma of Christmas and country living. With her movements, a floodlight on the shed brightened the shadows. Thank You, Lord, for safe travels.
The front door swung open illuminating the planked porch and the walkway.
Sam jogged down the porch steps in her yoga pants, a Green Bay hoodie, and slippers. After rounding the back of the Bug, Sam wrapped her in a bear hug. “Em. I’m so glad you’re here.”
Emma gave her close-as-sisters friend a long squeeze. The unevenness of Sam’s chest was a reminder of a battle with breast cancer and failed breast reconstruction. Sam had been positive and brave through her medical procedures . Lord, help me be strong like Sam.
“I’m glad to be here, too.” Her voice came out breathy from their enthusiastic embrace. “It wasn’t a bad drive until dark. I don’t want to see any more headlights. Only a soft bed, fluffy pillow, and a bathroom.”
“Well, I have all three.” Sam hugged her one more time before pulling away. “I’ll help get your things.”
Emma hesitated before closing the car door. “I don’t have much. I didn’t run the gauntlet at my apartment to pack clothes. Reporters were stationed outside.” Still in her sweater and slacks from work, the cool evening air goose pimpled her flesh. She had driven without the bulkiness of her winter coat. Was the shiver solely due to the cold? Tennessee was thirty degrees warmer than Milwaukee. She glanced at the shed. “Do you think my car will fit in there?”
Sam tucked hair behind her ear. “It should. I can leave the UTV outside. It’s been mild.” Sam’s nose wrinkled. “You don’t think the press will follow you down here, do you?”
“I hope not.” Emma rubbed her stiff neck. She glanced at the stars above and silently asked the Lord for protection. She didn’t want a circus on Sam’s doorstep. “Though, I never thought I would be associated with an investment fraud scandal. If I had, I certainly wouldn’t have bought a car that screams ‘look at cute little me.’”
Sam laughed. The best sound of the day. “Your life screams ‘look at cute little me.’”
“Only because my friend is a hottie.”
“That’s not true.” Sam strode toward the shed. “Lopsided average beauty, maybe. I’ll start the utility vehicle and park it by the trees. You can pull right in.”
“We won’t bother Gretta and Ernie, will we?” Sam’s elderly neighbors lived down the lane.
Lit by the shed’s lantern, Sam’s expression radiated wide awake energy. “Oh no. They’ll be sound asleep. I told them you were coming.” The shed door rose. “Cole and I go out for late night rides all the time, and they never hear us.”
“Rain check for later. I didn’t get to drive the UTV much when I was here in December. Your dad hogged the wheel.” Emma hopped back in her car and started it. Must be nice to go for romantic rides in the hills with a boyfriend. She glanced at Herbie snug in the passenger seat. “It’s just you and me, babe.”
Once Sam pulled the UTV from the shed, Emma drove inside. Inquiring minds wouldn’t spy the bright yellow paint sitting among all the greenery.
She squeezed out of the side of the Beetle, with her backpack and her coat tucked under her arm. After grabbing Herbie, she met Sam in the drive. The faint scent of gasoline marred the peaceful scenery.
“That’s all you brought?” Sam’s voice sounded like she finally understood the words mad dash. “We will definitely need to go shopping.”
If Emma wasn’t unemployed with a depleted bank account, a shopping day would have some appeal. She’d have to live off of her charge cards because a girl couldn’t survive without extra pairs of underwear and comfortable leggings.
“I guess I missed the fugitive 101 class in college. I didn’t have a to-go bag stashed in my car, only a few boxes of discontinued candles stuffed in my trunk.” She yawned and followed Sam into her sanctuary of a home. “Today has been a nightmare.” One she hoped never to experience again.
“Let me help you with your stuff. You must be exhausted.” Sam grabbed Herbie. “I remember planting these in Sunday school. I don’t know where mine ended up. Probably in the trash. I don’t have a green thumb like you.” Sam set Herbie in the center of the kitchen table. “Are you hungry, Em?”
“I’ve had enough fast food for the month.” She plopped her backpack on a kitchen chair and placed her coat over the back. “But if you have hot water?” She unzipped the top compartment of her computer bag and held up a bag of chamomile tea. “My body still feels like I’m driving on the highway. I don’t think I can sleep without this.”
“I have my Emma box left from Christmas. My tea might be fresher.” Sam winked and reached in the cabinet, drawing out an off-white box with lavender writing. She heated two mugs of water in the microwave and came and sat across from Emma with the brewing tea.
Emma took her cup and breathed in the warm vapor of tempered sweetness wafting from the mug. If she closed her eyes, she could almost believe she lounged in Milwaukee with her bestie.
Sam grasped Emma’s hand like they were on a playground running to snag the teeter-totter. “I’m so sorry you lost your job. I wish you were visiting under happier circumstances. Everything was going so well when you were here last month.”
Ignorantly well. Emma’s throat tightened as her eyes tingled. “I can’t believe my dream job is …poof…over. I had been working on a new software program to use at the senior community, and now there’s no retirees to help and no computers to install it in. It’s all gone. Like a mirage.” At least she hadn’t left her laptop or flash drive at work. That would have been a disaster.
She slipped her hand from Sam’s warm fingers and tasted her tea. The heat almost burned her tongue. “I can’t believe Ron and Annette were scammers, and I didn’t even notice. Who has fake co-workers? I was the last one holding the office key while they had my savings in their pockets.” She blew on the surface of her drink. “I feel like I’m on some streaming show. Undercover Dupe.”
Sam leaned closer, her forearms resting on the tabletop. “You’re one of the most intuitive people I know. Your boss was a professional criminal. He snagged a mayor in his trap, plus other older and wiser people. Don’t beat yourself up.” Sam’s expression softened, yet confidence beamed from every soft line in her face. “God will get you through this. He’ll get both of us through this.”
Emma believed that truth. She attempted a smile through quivering lips. She didn’t want to be a burden to her best friend. Having a place to stay was wonderful, but she wouldn’t take any of Sam’s money. Finding a job was number one on her to-do list, either a temporary job here or one back in Wisconsin. Although, her association with con artists in an investment scam might hurt her chances back home. Mayor Van Wenkle and his reporter niece were likely lighting up the airwaves in Milwaukee.
The Bible verse Psalm 18:2 nestled under Herbie’s base flashed in her mind. Lord, I need a rock, fortress, deliverer, and a job recruiter. Now that you slammed the door with the Runyard Group, could you please open a career window?
She slumped in her chair and willed the tears in her eyes not to drip down her cheeks. “Thanks for letting me hide out here with you. I don’t know what I would’ve done without your help.”
“You are welcome to stay as long as you like. My life has been pretty boring when Cole’s not around. Especially without you nearby.” A tiny grin enlivened Sam’s lips. “I’ve been working on getting my teaching license transferred and sending out resumes. I have an interview on Thursday for a first-grade position here. The sooner I get back in the classroom, the better. For my sanity.”
“Kids love you. Schools will be clamoring to have you come teach. I’ll pray your interview goes well.” Emma encouraged her friend whose lifelong dream had been to instruct children. “And speaking of love.” She attempted to waggle her eyebrows, but her coordination failed. “How’s Cole doing?”
Sam tapped her fingernails against her mug. Wafts of calming tea traveled across the table. “Between the industrial park construction in Sperry’s Crossing and helping his dad with electrical projects in Nashville, he doesn’t have a lot of free time.” A slight blush colored her friend’s cheeks. “And he spends his free time with me.”
“Guess I’m going to have to buy your neighbor some binoculars to keep an eye on you two.” Emma winked as she imagined crusty old Ernie sitting on his porch.
“Em!” Sam’s face turned a robust shade of fuchsia.
“I’m only kidding. Knowing Ernie, he has a set of binoculars.” She grinned and stretched to release the exhaustion overtaking her body. Sam deserved every good thing to come her way after battling cancer, losing a breast, and losing their family friend to a heart attack. “Can Cole’s brother help out now? Isn’t he co-boss with their dad?”
“Wade hasn’t fully recovered from his accident.” Sam frowned. An uncommon sight. “Hopefully, he’ll be able to jump back into the business. His leg and shoulder were badly hurt.”
“Ouch. Poor guy. Shoulders can be tricky. My aunt’s shoulder hasn’t fully recovered from her fall and that was two years ago.”
“Cole’s mom has been trying to help Wade stay on top of his physical therapy. But…poor Linda. Wade is difficult at times.” Sam sipped her tea. “Cole and I were going to drive to Nashville and see his parents after church on Sunday. We were planning to stay overnight so Cole could pull a shift on Monday, but now that you’re here, Cole can go on his own.”
“Don’t change your plans on account of me.” Her stomach clenched. She didn’t want to burden Sam and make her miss her date. Besides, traveling to Nashville would place even more distance between her and Runyard’s crime. If she had been followed here, no one would know she was leaving Whispering Creek or had a connection to Cole’s family. “I’d love to visit Nashville and see Linda and Mike again if you and Cole don’t mind. He has such sweet parents.” She yawned. A yawn that had a little squeak to it. “I could use some fun. Guess I need some sleep, too.”
Sam rose and grabbed the empty mugs. “That’s great. I’ll let Linda know you’re coming. She always asks about you and tells me how much fun she had at Christmas.”
“She sent me her stuffing recipe.” Emma stood and arched her back. “I haven’t tried it yet.” Nor would she be whipping up a feast anytime soon. “How long are we staying?” With her dire finances, she needed to find a job soon.
“A day or two. Just enough time to stay on top of work orders and keep the customers happy.” Sam rinsed their mugs and set them by the kitchen sink. Her eyes widened with a conspiratorial energy. “Hey, want to have a sleepover? It will be like when we were neighbors. You can share Ted’s old room with me.”
Thank You, Lord, that I have a friend who knows me so well.
“Whoo hoo. That’s the best offer I’ve had all day. Good thing I’m still an edge hugger.” She rounded the table and embraced Sam.
After having her life turned upside down this morning, or technically, yesterday morning, she didn’t want to sleep alone. Her shoulders ached from death-gripping the steering wheel wondering if one of Ron’s desperate victims would locate her and do her harm. She prayed for God to protect her family and their business. She didn’t want any adversity to rub off on her parents.
“I’m so glad you came. I’ve missed you.” Sam held on tight.
Closing her eyes, Emma allowed the comfort and security that only her friend could give to wrap around her unease. Sam and Mr. Ted had led her to Jesus. She needed her Lord now more than ever since a sink hole had opened under her footing. Being in Whispering Creek was an answered prayer. She needed faithful friends who could pray for her and give her wise counsel. Her parents meant well, but they weren’t believers. They used their pristine Bible as a coaster.
Stepping out of the hug, Sam grabbed Emma’s backpack and turned off the lights. “Tonight, we sleep and tomorrow…”
“We find underwear!” A simple task in a simple town was all Emma could wrap her head around. She lumbered toward a firm mattress and fluffy pillows. As she face-planted onto the bed, she mumbled, “Good night, Herbie.”
~*~
Emma pushed her black cart to the cash register. After sleeping late, she and Sam grabbed lunch in nearby Sperry’s Crossing and made a pit stop at the main store to buy clothes. Nude, black, and spotted underwear rested on top of jeans, long-sleeved tops, a sweater, and casual boots. She grabbed the panties and set them before the middle-aged cashier. Not even the soft cotton could calm her quickening pulse rate. How was she going to pay for her purchase with no money to her name?
The clerk unclipped the panties from their hangers and began ringing Emma’s selections. “Did you find everything you needed?”
Not a job, peace of mind, or my savings. “Yes.” Forcing a smile, she tried not to think about the interest rate on her credit card.
Two-hundred fourteen dollars and seventy-five cents flashed on the computer screen facing the customer side of the counter. It might as well have been two thousand dollars. She only had a few twenties to her name. Job hunting instantly kicked into high gear. If only employers were clamoring to hire a woman duped by con artists. How many jobs flew under the radar and paid in cash? A city might have more options than a small town.
“You can insert your card now.” The clerk folded the clothes and stuffed them in a gray shopping bag. She cast a glance at the Saturday line of customers.
Emma shoved her card into the chip reader. She had done this mundane motion hundreds of times but never before had her fingers moistened the plastic. The firm financial road beneath her feet had disappeared.
Sam grasped the shopping bag. “You found a lot of nice things even though I would have loaned you some shirts. That red sweater really brings out the amber in your eyes. I wish they had a teal one in my size.”
Little did Sam realize that red symbolized Emma’s bank account.
“Yeah.” Emma forced a smile to hide being destitute. “They have fantastic prices here.” Sale prices. She needed more than one outfit with a road trip to Nashville and a visit with Cole’s parents looming. Pretty soon, her get-out-of-town clothes would need a wash.
A soothing, melodic dinging brought Emma into reality.
“You can remove your card.” At the push of a button, the cashier produced a receipt.
The burger Emma ate at lunch solidified in her gut as she received paper evidence to the fact that she paid with invisible money.
Lord, I need a job and fast. Preferably one with a reputable company where the boss doesn’t abscond with everyone’s savings.
Following Sam out of the store, she thanked God for one answered prayer. The much-needed petition for undergarments had been crossed off her list.