I messed up, Baby, she murmured. Maybe I could have helped that girl if Id just realized She squeezed shut her eyes, pain twisting in her gut. I let her down, and Im so afraid of letting you down, too.
She reached down to stroke her belly. This place was supposed to be safe, a place where no one could hurt either of us, but now Im not so sure. The worst part is that I just dont know where that place would be.
Her stomach rumbled, serving as a reminder to save her introspection until later and get to work on eating for two right now.
As she rattled around in the kitchen, she forced herself to concentrate on the task at hand. She couldnt let herself dwell on her fears. It wouldnt accomplish anything. Officer McGregor was probably right, anyway, that the attack was in no way related to hers. It was a tragedya horrible, senseless tragedybut it wasnt her fault. It had nothing to do with her at all.
So why couldnt she believe that?
On the other side of town, Gabe McGregor pulled his police cruiser up next to the teenager walking his bicycle, slid the passenger-seat window down and leaned over so that he could see the boys face. Ive been looking all over for you. Where were you?
The teen shrugged. Around. He pushed his bike up one of the many hills surrounding Cape Churn.
Gabe kept pace, while tamping down his frustration. Weve been over this before. I dont mind if you visit your friends, Id just like to know when you do, where youre going and when youre headed home.
Kinda stalker-like, if you ask me.
Not the way I look at it. Talking through the open window wasnt any way to get through to a troubled teen. Gabe pulled ahead of Dakota and parked on the side of the road, blocking the boys path. He climbed out, smiled and waved at a passing car before resuming his conversation with the stranger who was his son.
Hed known about Dakota for only a matter of months. The boys mother hadnt bothered to tell him that a son had resulted from his brief fling with the older woman back when Gabe was a teen. Siena had been twenty-five, Gabe had been a naive eighteen-year-old, flattered by an older womans attentions. Hed even imagined himself in love with her. Shed been on vacation with friends at Cape Churn. When shed left, he hadnt heard from her again, until four months ago.
Siena had shown up at Gabes apartment in Seattle long enough to tell him that he had a son. Shed pushed the boy carrying a single suitcase in front of her, stating she couldnt handle him anymore. Then shed left.
After the initial shock wore off, he realized he couldnt raise a kid in downtown Seattle, especially not with the crazy hours he kept serving on the Seattle police force. He quit his job and moved home to Cape Churn. But nothing had prepared him for the difficulties of raising a teenage boya troubled one, at that. Apparently Dakota had gotten into a little legal trouble. It was nothing too serious, but he was on probation, and that had apparently been the straw that had broken the camels back when it came to Sienas patience with their son.
Gabe pushed his hand through his hair, rather than pulling it out, and stood in front of Dakota. He needed instant dad lessons. I dont ask you to keep me informed because I want to stalk you. I ask you because I care.
Could you care a little less? Im not a baby. I dont need a keeper. The words he didnt say, but Gabe felt, were I dont need you.
He let the implied meaning slide off his back. Whether or not Dakota thought he needed his father, he needed someone. And since Gabe was the only one he had, Dakota was stuck with him until he finished high school. Gabe didnt give up easily. No, I cant care a little less. Youre my son.
Dakota snorted.
Gabes lips pressed together to keep from saying something about the boys attitude. He remembered having a similar one when he was Dakotas age. Thank goodness his parents hadnt given up on him. As Ive told you before, I didnt know about you until recently, or I would have been more involved as a parent all along. But I know about you nowyoure here, I care and were going to figure out this father-son thing if it kills us.
Okay, so that wasnt quite what hed meant to say, but so be it. Hed tried all the textbook suggestions on getting through to a teen and they had worked no better.
I want to know where you go so that I know youre safe.
Really? Dakotas brows rose into the shaggy hair hanging down over his brow. Like, this town has nothing goin on. Why wouldnt I be safe?
Gabe sucked in a deep breath, last nights victim surfacing much too quickly. I take it you havent heard.
Heard what?
About the woman found strangled on the beach this morning.
That got his sons attention. Dakota stared up at Gabe, his eyes narrowing. Youre not pullin my leg just to get me to call, are you?
Gabes lips pressed together into a thin line. Wish I was.
Dakotas face paled. Dead? Really?
Yeah. I dont like you being out on these roads alone.
The teens brows scrunched together, that rebellious look returning. Im not a girl. I can take care of myself.
Are you sure? Gabe asked. Women arent the only murder victims in the world, you know.
So, that doesnt mean itll happen to me. His son bounced the bicycle impatiently. Is that all you wanted?
Let me know where youre going and when. Thats all Im asking. That way Ill know which ditches to look in if you dont come home on time.
You wouldnt have to worry about me being run off the road if I could drive myself.
Boy, you are so wrong. Gabe shook his head, a smile curving his lips. When you start driving, Ill worry even more.
Not like Ill be driving anytime soon. Dakota sighed.
Your probation ends on Saturday. Well start driving lessons then, I promise.
Dakota scuffed his tennis shoe against the gravel on the shoulder of the road. Stupid to be on probation for a little graffiti.
Its considered destruction of property, Gabe stated in a matter-of-fact way. Property that doesnt belong to you. How would you feel if someone painted your house with graffiti?
I wouldnt know. I dont have a house.
Gabe sucked in a deep breath and let it out. The kid had a point. They were living with Gabes sister in her bed-and-breakfast until Gabe found a house he liked enough to buy. Just call and leave a message on my voice mail when you come and go from your friends houses, will ya?
I dont have any friends.
At least text me to let me know where youre going. His voice was a little sharper than hed intended, but he couldnt walk on eggshells with the boy forever. And dont be late for dinner, it makes your aunt crazy.
Gabe climbed back into the cruiser and pulled out onto the road, his gaze shifting between what was in front of him and the boy in the rearview mirror. He didnt like leaving him on the side of the road, but short of manhandling him into the cruiser, he had no other choice. The kid just didnt get it.
A murderer was loose in Cape Churn. Until they caught him, no one was safe. The knot in his gut tightened. Though hed assured her otherwise, Gabe had begun to wonder if Kaylas attack was connected.