Chapter Five

      Raindrops streaked the windshield and pattered against the roof of the truck. Caleb parked in front of The Tasty Pastry, then reached behind the seat to grab an umbrella. But before he could offer it to Robyn, she hopped out. Caleb pocketed his keys and followed.

      “I forgot how much I love monsoon season.” She turned her palms upward.

      Caleb fed the parking meter, then glanced around for anyone who might have noticed him with Robyn. He refused to be caught off guard, and while coming to town was taking a big risk, he hadn’t been able to tell Robyn no when she asked to ride along. In fact, he was starting to realize the word no wasn’t in her vocabulary not only when she wanted something but also when asked for help. He liked that about her, even if half the time it drove him crazy.

      “What time should I meet you back here?” Her gauzy shirt billowed in the breeze and made her eyes sparkle.

      The sight of her slender form and dimpled cheek distracted him. It had distracted him all morning while they worked on patching the walls. He’d found himself sneaking glances at her far too often when he should have been focusing on the repairs. He prayed he’d have enough time to finish before it was necessary to tell her who he was.

      “Caleb, did you hear me?”

      He snapped back to the present. “An hour.”

      “Sounds great.” She waved at someone down the road. “There’s Ginger. See you,” she called over her shoulder.

      He ducked inside The Tasty Pastry, where the smell of fresh bread and coffee greeted him. The tables sat empty, and only the owner occupied the tiny shop.

      “Caleb Sloane, you’ve been away too long.” Ida Jones came around the counter and smothered him with a maternal hug.

      “I haven’t been away, just laying low.” He stepped back and perused the display case.

      “That’s plain silly.” She grabbed a towel and wiped the counter. “I know half the town is having a conniption, but they need to get over it. You didn’t do anything wrong, and if you ask me, we’re all better off with Aaron Dirkson behind bars so he can’t hurt anyone else.” She sighed. “Like Dan. Anyway, you did what you thought was right.” She fisted her hand on her ample hip. “You know I once caught Aaron trying to set fire to the trash in the Dumpster out back? That’s the least of what he was into, from what I hear.”

      And Caleb knew she’d heard plenty. “I appreciate your vote of confidence, Mrs. Jones.”

      “Someone told me they’re going to let people have their say when the review board meets. I plan to give them a piece of my mind.” With a flair, she pulled her apron strings tighter. “Now when is that, again?”

      A fresh wave of anxiety punched him at the mention of the hearing—and with it the possibility of losing his job. “They pushed the date back. It’ll be a month from yesterday.” Every day more nerve-racking than the one before.

      It’s in Your hands, Lord.

      Despite his mistake in judgment, God still had a plan. He had to keep on believing it or he’d go berserk. Yet living like he believed it proved to be another matter.

      “You don’t have a thing to worry about. Maybe folks will settle down by then.”

      Or get more worked up. No, he had to stop thinking that way. Keep praying. Keep believing. Keep working at Lakeside. “It’s good to know people like you still have a good opinion of me.” He glanced over his shoulder to make sure no one was on their way into the shop, then leaned on the counter. “What have you heard about Brad Dawson?”

      A frown creased Mrs. Jones’s brow. “It depends. What do you want to know?”

      “For starters, what he’s normally like. I had an...encounter with him.”

      Mrs. Jones edged closer and lowered her voice. “You wouldn’t be the first person. I’m not one to gossip, so anything I tell you is common knowledge.”

      Caleb nodded for her to continue.

      “He was the sweetest little freckle-faced kid you ever saw. Dan used to bring him in all the time, along with his sister Abby. She was younger and quieter and always followed his lead. But when he became a teenager and his mom was ill, he changed—and not for the better.”

      “Did he have a temper?”

      Mrs. Jones kneaded a towel as she spoke. “He had the shortest fuse this side of Phoenix. Then there was the drugs and alcohol, and it’s no secret he’s got money troubles.” She shook her head. “Reminds me a lot of Aaron Dirkson.”

      Reminded Caleb of what his life might have been, had a worker at the recreation center he frequented not prayed some sense into him. “So it’s safe to assume Brad is trouble.”

      “Unless he’s changed. People do, you know.” She set down the towel. “The town practically breathed a sigh of relief when he moved to Phoenix. That must’ve been about the time you came to Pine Hollow. Oh, dear, I should’ve done more praying for that boy.”

      “Thanks for the heads-up. I have a feeling I’ll be seeing more of him.” Caleb drew back and pointed to the glass case. “I’ll take all the chocolate donuts and croissants you’ve got.”

      “You always know how to make my day.” She grinned, appearing ready to pinch his cheeks if she got the chance. The bell above the door tinkled, and she waved before turning back to Caleb. “Are you taking these to the youth center to share with the kids?”

      “’Course he is. He can’t eat those. He’s got to keep an eye on his figure.” Phil clapped Caleb on the shoulder. “I was wondering what happened to you. Expected you next door ten minutes ago, but I knew where to find you.” He winked at Mrs. Jones.

      “I didn’t want to come back for the first time empty-handed.” Caleb’s heart lifted at the thought of the youth center he’d started last year. Seeing how small-town life was affecting the teens of Pine Hollow and the activities they’d try to alleviate boredom, he felt compelled to take action. Securing grants for funding and a location and finding volunteers had been a monumental task. One that was well worth the effort.

      “As long as you’re back, I don’t think the kids care.” Phil peeled off his glasses, fogged them and wiped the lenses.

      Mrs. Jones peeked up from behind