Chapter 6

Six

Damon

The day went by more slowly than usual, especially after I saw Isla. It was probably longer because I hadn’t been able to focus well. When she’d run out, my first instinct was to follow her. Yet I didn’t follow that instinct. After all, what was she doing back? And divorced, with no kid? It was a lot to process. The way she had run from me, like I would strike her down, was a lot to process too.

Mrs. Friendly had watched her go and then looked at me. I’d thought she would ask me questions, but she’d only shrugged and said, “I guess we’ll keep looking.”

After work, I drove up to my parents’ home, wishing I could take a bottle of water and pour it over my head to wash away this day. In fact, I sort of wished I didn’t have to drop by my parents’ home, but the boys were waiting for me. Deep down, I knew I had to talk to somebody.

The lights were on, and it was almost nine o’clock, but I saw that there was an unofficial party happening. That didn’t surprise me. My parents’ house was a gathering place. I saw my siblings’ cars, and I didn’t know if I was in the mood to deal with all of them, but I had to get my boys.

I walked inside and wasn’t surprised to see most everyone gathered around the kitchen table playing cards. It was a pastime that everyone liked, including my boys.

My brother Noah said, “And our trusted sheriff is home.” He threw in a chip and started asking everyone if they were going to fold or play.

My boys got up and ran to me, throwing their arms around me. Jason said, “We don’t have to go home, right?”

Trent held on to my waist. “Yeah, because I’m not tired.” Which actually meant he was tired.

I held them both for a second and then said, “No, I think maybe all of us will stay out here tonight.”

All my siblings and my parents gave me coy looks.

My father said, “Must be something big if you’re going to stay tonight.”

I shrugged and moved toward the kitchen.

My mom hopped up. “Damon, let me heat you up some food.”

I waved her off. “Mom, I got it. You play the game.”

But she threw her cards in and followed me. “Nonsense. You go get washed up, change out of your uniform if you’re staying, and I will heat you up some food.”

Normally, I didn’t stay over, and normally, I wouldn’t let my mom fuss over me. But today was different.

McCrae let out a light whistle. “Did I miss something at work?”

McCrae had taken today off. So I was guessing that there wasn’t a gossip mill going. I hadn’t told anyone at work about being surprised to see her. Apparently, Mrs. Friendly hadn’t said anything.

I didn’t answer; instead, I opted to go up the stairs and down the hallway that led to all the bedrooms. My parents were down on the main floor, but there were rooms for the grandkids, and each of the adults still had their own room.

I moved into my room and paused as I took off my uniform. It was a relief to be staying at my parents’ house. I felt like a child, seeking comfort. I changed into some sweats and a T-shirt and folded up my uniform. I wouldn’t have my mother wash it. That would be relying too much on my parents, in my opinion. I had a spare in the closet anyway.

I padded back down the stairs. The game was still going, but now McCrae had opted out and was in the kitchen with my mom.

When I walked through, Kayla said, “Jason and Trent, I think it’s time you guys wind it down. Want to go watch a movie in the loft upstairs with me?”

Jason stayed in his seat. “My dad didn’t say we had to go to bed.”

My boys were used to the aunts and uncles bossing them around, but they would never give up time to stay awake.

I nodded to the loft. “Go with your aunt.”

Trent rushed forward for me and put his arms around my waist again. “Why don’t you come with us?”

I patted his back and nodded. “Of course. Let me eat. You guys go get ready for bed, then go watch a movie for a little bit, and I’ll be up.”

Reluctantly, they made their way up the stairs.

My siblings cleaned up the cards and put everything back in the poker kit.

I moved into the kitchen and saw a plate with a napkin over it next to McCrae.

My mom poured some water. “Sit down. Tell us what’s going on.”

Normally, I would refuse to tell anyone anything, but the weight of this was too much for me. Plus, it was pointless. My family knew my history, and they would know that something was going on. Not to mention the fact that it was a small town. I sat, closed my eyes, and bowed my head, saying a silent prayer over the food.

My siblings and father had all wandered in the kitchen now, each getting various snacks and standing around the island or sitting.

I took a couple bites of the lasagna, grateful to come home to hot food. “Thanks, Mom.”

She moved next to me and patted my arm. “You’re welcome. I’m glad you’re staying. Now tell us what’s going on.” She looked worried.

I paused and took her hand and squeezed it. Then I resumed eating and spoke. “I saw Isla today.”

My mother gasped. “What?”

My father picked up some nuts in a bowl and leaned across the counter, popping one in his mouth. “She and Kyle were visiting?”

I shook my head slowly.

McCrae squinted at me. “What was that, brother?”

I took another bite and then used the napkin to dab at my lips. It was inevitable to just explain everything. “We need a new dispatcher, and Mrs. Friendly brought her in to see me today for an interview. As I was interviewing her, she told me she was back, and she needed a job. I asked about Kyle and her kid, and she said she is divorced and the baby was stillborn.”

My mother gasped.

There was silence for a second.

I sighed. “Then she proceeded to remind me that she had tried to call me a couple of times and I ignored her phone calls.” I shrugged. “I’m not proud of that.” I stared at my food and then threw the napkin on top, not feeling so hungry.

Kayla shrugged. “That’s crazy.”

Ella stood next to Noah at the end of the counter. “I always liked Isla. She probably needs a friend, being back in this town.”

Ella knew too well how it felt to come back to Refuge Falls and need someone.

Kayla put her arm around Ella. “She probably does. We should figure out where she’s living and go visit with her.”

My mom clasped her hands together. “I want to go too. I know how hard it’s been with her own mother. And everything that happened …” She trailed off.

Silence settled upon the group. Everyone knew about what had happened with her father. And how her mother blamed her. Which was ridiculous. Stupid and ridiculous.

McCrae asked, “What are you gonna do, Police Chief?”

I pulled back and shrugged, not understanding. “What do you mean, what am I going to do? She left my office. She said it wasn’t going to work.”

McCrae sputtered out a laugh. “Just because someone tells you it’s not going to work, that doesn’t mean it can’t work.”

My father chuckled and took a drink of water. “Exactly. You know how many times I had to propose to your mother before she said yes? How many times she told me we would never work out? Now it’s been nearly thirty years.”

The tension broke, and all of us laughed.

“I wasn’t proposing, Dad,” I said, trying to sound lighthearted. Truly, I felt miserable. I didn’t know what to do.

My father cocked an eyebrow. “No, you weren’t, but you two were best friends most of your life, and you were with her through a very hard time, and then …”

The past was hard to face. Good thing I didn’t have to face it all tonight.

Trent called out, “Dad! Come put us to bed.”

I stood and began walking around the island with my plate. “Coming!”

My mother intercepted me. “Go put them to bed. Then go to bed yourself. I’ve got this.”

I pulled my mom in for a hug and said, “Thanks. I’m grateful for you.” I turned to my dad and the rest of my family. “I’m grateful for all of you, too.”

My dad grunted and clapped a hand on my shoulder. “Sure, you’re grateful for all of the unsolicited advice that’s going to rain down on you the next couple of days.”

I pulled back. “Guess so.”

As I walked up the stairs to my children, my thoughts were filled with Isla. Where was she? Was she okay? She hadn’t looked okay when she had run out. I would have to investigate this further.