Authors: Elaine Meece
"That's sad, because he's not. Once the truth comes out, he'll be accepted." Julie explained what she’d read in both diaries. “Henry Peel acted like Frank and his friends plan to hurt Caleb. But he wouldn’t say anymore. Noreen and I drove over to Caleb’s house, but he’s wasn't there.”
“My sister went with you?” her mother asked.
“She did. She realizes the wrong man went to prison just like with Reece Stanford.”
Her parents’ eyes reflected surprise that she knew.
“You're behaving like a cheap little fool,” her mother stated, her words harsh— intended to cut deep.
Julie stood from the table. "I don’t want to hear anymore. There isn’t anything you can say that would turn me against him.”
“Oh, really? That girl from Eminence claims he’s the father of her baby.”
Julie’s breath left her. “She’s lying. Caleb told me he didn’t sleep with her.”
Her father intervened. “Think about it, Julie. The man’s been without a woman for a long time.”
Julie's stomach twisted. “I need to lie down.”
In the darkness of the bedroom, thoughts raced with the speed of a camera flash. Like a thick fog, doubt filled her mind.
No, No, No. Please don't let it be true.
Had Caleb slept with the blonde? Was he the father of her baby?
Why would he want a nerd like me, if he can have a young blonde bombshell like Casey?
There had been one thing she’d overlooked.
Money.
Maybe he was just after the stability Julie had in her home and business. That spiel he gave about standing on his own two feet might've been a ruse. He probably mastered the art of conning in prison. Why would he want her? He would always see her as Metal Mouth Webb.
She recalled her prom. Caleb had danced all night with the popular girls. When he’d walked toward the punch bowl, Julie darted past her friends to reach the table first and lifted a cup. “Hi, the music’s great. Isn’t it?”
He’d flashed a simple smile. Not the killer smile that steamed with sex appeal he gave the girls he’d danced with. “Yeah, it’s nice.”
With no more said, he returned to his date.
She'd spent the evening wishing Caleb McGregor would ask her to dance. But he never did.
Returning to the moment at hand, one last thought came to mind.
What if I’m pregnant?
♦♦♦
Caleb stepped into Mr. Rook’s office with more confidence than he had before. The parole officer had seemed friendly and supportive on Caleb’s first visit.
“How’s that problem with the policeman?” Rook asked.
“It hasn’t gone away.” Caleb explained about Julie being stopped the previous month by Grear’s friend. “I try to stay out of the guy’s way.” He pulled papers from his pocket and placed them on the desk. “Here’s my job verification from the hardware store and my prevention payment. I still plan to keep my job with Mr. Higgins when I start with the construction company next month.”
“So things are looking up.” Rook jotted down a few notes and placed the job verification in Caleb’s file. “And this woman who lives next door. Still just neighbors?”
“It’s more.” Caleb inhaled deeply.
“You’re sexually involved with her?”
Caleb nodded. “Yeah, I am. I care a lot about her.”
“And what about this evidence you thought might give you a shot at another trial?”
He explained the situation with the two diaries. "I doubt Julie will convince the Peels to let her read their daughter’s diary."
“Got anything else?”
Caleb shook his head. “Not yet, but we’re working on it.”
“Let me know if I can be of any help.” Mr. Rook stood and offered Caleb his hand.
As he grasped Mr. Rook’s hand, a sickening sense of dread snaked through him—the keen sensitivity he’d developed in prison when he needed to watch his back.
Shit. I’m just being paranoid.
Even after he left the office, his mind reeled with uncertainty, and he had a sudden urge to see Devin Vincent.
Two hours later, Caleb pulled up to the magnificent mansion in an affluent area of Jefferson City and marveled over the regal house. He parked his motorcycle in the driveway, then walked to the front door and rang the bell. Lovely chimes played. Lilies growing in the flower bed let off a sickening sweet smell that reminded him of death.
A beautiful woman opened the door. He assumed she was Misty.
Caleb smiled. “Mrs. Vincent. I used to be friends with Devin. Is he home?”
“Who are you?”
“Caleb McGregor.”
Recognition of his name showed on her face.
Before she could answer, Devin appeared at the door. He wore an Armani suit and shoes. He scowled harshly at Caleb. “What are you doing here?”
“Thought I’d stop by and see my old pal.” Caleb glanced at the elegant chandelier and scanned the expensive ornate furniture just inside the foyer. “Seems you’ve made out pretty well. All your ambition paid off.”
“Leave before I call the police.”
“I just stopped by to visit an old friend. There aren’t too many friendly faces in town anymore.”
“Then leave Faith.”
“I can’t. I’ve met someone special, but until I’m cleared of charges, there’s no future for us.” Fearing he’d said too much, Caleb turned quickly and trekked through the well-groomed yard to his motorcycle.
Before leaving, he aimed his gaze at Devin. And what he saw overwhelmed him. Guilt. Fear. Anger. The man had something he’d hidden for over ten years, and Caleb knew exactly what that was.
By the time Caleb reached Faith, it was after midnight.
♦♦♦
The next morning he found Julie’s note. It sounded serious, so after a quick shower and shave, he set off to Julie’s parents’ house.
Her father opened the door and flashed Caleb a go-to-hell-look. “What do you want?”
“Julie left me a note asking me to come by.”
“She’s not feeling well.”
Just as the door was closing, Julie spoke. “Dad, I want to talk to him.”
Caleb pushed the door open before Mr. Webb could stop him. “Jules.”
Maybe the old man had been telling the truth. She looked like hell. Her eyes were red and puffy with the tip of her nose brighter than Rudolph’s. “What’s wrong?”
“Wait around back on the deck. I’ll be out as soon as I'm dressed.”
Caleb nodded and let the door close. He walked around to the backyard and waited on the deck. Julie’s coolness had him worried. Had she learned about the man he’d killed in prison? Was that what was bothering her? Maybe her parents had convinced her he was worthless.
Julie opened the backdoor and joined him on the deck. He stood from the patio chair, hoping to take her in his arms. But this morning she had thorns. Her eyes revealed her resentment and anger.
“Julie, what’s happened?”
“This won’t take long. First of all, I’ve decided things won’t work between us. I need a man who is honest with me and loves me. Not someone who only wants the stability I have to offer with my home and business.”
“What in the hell are you talking about? I didn't lie to you.”
“You didn’t?” Accusing spears sprang from her eyes as she glared at him. “Then why did you tell me you never slept with that girl from Eminence?"
“I told you the truth. What’s this about?”
“Casey not only claims to have had sex with you, she’s telling everyone you’re the father of her baby.”
“What! Is this some kind of sick joke? Hell! This isn’t funny.”
“No, it isn’t.”
“Jules, I don’t know what’s going on, but I didn’t sleep with that woman or any one else since being back. Just you. I swear it.”
“I’m sorry, Caleb, but I don’t believe you.”
“That hurts, Jules."
“After spending Sunday night with you, you don’t think it hurt me to hear that bit of information from my mother. Do you know how used I feel?”
“This is one rumor I can clear up. First I’ll see why Miss Casey Phillips has made such a claim.”
Stay calm. I’ll get this worked out.
Before his feet reached the last step, she called out his name. He turned and met her gaze. Her face had softened, and her eyes held concern rather than contempt.
“Caleb, I have Connie’s diary. It confirms everything. I’m putting it in a safety deposit box at the bank tomorrow. Watch your back. Mr. Peel thinks Frank and his friends are up to something involving you. He didn’t give details.”
“I’m sure he wouldn’t tell if he knew. Thanks for the warning. But there’s not a whole hell of a lot I can do short of leaving town.”
“Then leave, Caleb.”
“You know I won’t do that.” He paused. “I guess you won’t be stopping by Tuesday.”
“No, I won't. I won't let you use me again.”
“I wasn’t. Jules, I care about you. I can’t commit to stronger feelings for you until I’m cleared or until I can’t be sent back to serve out the rest of my sentence.”
“Goodbye, Caleb.” She closed the door before he could utter another word.
His heart dropped to his stomach.
♦♦♦
Julie peeked through the curtains and studied the distraught expression on Caleb’s face. He’d just lost his gravy boat, his sure thing. Despite her anger, her heart yearned for the man she’d just turned away.
As she walked in the den, her father extended the telephone receiver to her. “It’s Noreen. She says it’s important.”
“Hi, Aunt Noreen. What’s up?”
“Henry Peel told his wife that Frank and his buddies have set Caleb up.”
“Set him up—how?”
“When he learns that waitress is telling everyone she’s having his baby, they expect Caleb to confront her. She plans to provoke him. From what I hear, Frank roughed her up so the bruises can be blamed on Caleb.”
“Oh my God! They’re doing this to send him back to prison.”
“No, dear. They plan to kill him.”
Chapter Sixteen
Caleb could only see red as he sped down the country roads toward town. The damn bitch had lied. He planned to set her straight. Then his common sense kicked in. Maybe Julie’s mother had lied. If anyone knew, it’d be Mr. Higgins. Before going to Eminence to confront Casey, he stopped at the hardware store.
Mr. Higgins glanced up from the cash register when Caleb walked in. “Julie Ross ever find you?”
“Yes. She informed me about a rumor concerning me and that blonde from Eminence. Have you heard it?”
He nodded. “Yep, at the coffee shop. Seems she dropped in at the beauty parlor and told everyone who’d listen that she was going to have your child. From there, it spread faster than a fire fueled with gasoline.” The old man smirked. “You gonna do right by her and marry her?”
“She might be pregnant, but it’s not mine.”
“What are you gonna do ‘bout it?”
“Guess I’ll ride over to Eminence and get to the bottom of her claim.”
“She moved in with her trashy brother at the trailer park here in Faith. It’s the blue and white one with all the car parts outside.”
“You just saved me a trip. Thanks." Caleb said and left.
Caleb rode around the circular drive that looped through the trailer park. His loud pulsating bike drew attention from the neighbors. He parked at the third trailer and made his way to the door, stepping around car parts, old lawn mowers, and toys.
He banged on the door and waited. A dog barked from inside, and he heard a small child crying. Someone had to be at home.
The door opened, and Caleb gasped at the sight of Casey’s face. “Casey, what happened?”
She shook her head, and her eyes filled with tears. “Leave now.”
“I’m not leaving until I find out who did this to you. Who, Casey?”
“Frank Grear. He’s been visiting me when he damn well pleases. I thought moving back in with my brother might stop him. Hell, my brother doesn’t care.”
“But why tell everyone you’re pregnant with my baby?”
“Please, just leave.”
“Answer me, Casey.”
“It’s a setup. My sister-in-law just called Frank. Get out of here.”
Shit.
He’d walked right into a snake pit. Terror inched up his spine. Before he could leave, two squad cars pulled in the small yard and officers stepped out with their guns aimed.
“Place your hands over your head and step away from the door. Drop to your knees,” John Davis ordered, the deputy who stopped Julie on the highway.
Don’t resist.
Caleb did as he was told. He didn’t have to guess that the marks on Casey’s face would be blamed on him. Fearing for her own life, she would testify he did it.
“On the grass and place your hands behind your back,” Davis ordered.
Run. No. He’ll shoot me.
Another deputy stretched Caleb's arms behind him and cuffed him.
A third car pulled up, and he suspected it was Grear.
“Now, boys. Take those cuffs off. We want the son-of-a-bitch to have a fair fight,” Frank Grear said, amusement ringing in his voice.
No sooner than the cuffs were off, Grear kicked him in the side. “Roll over on your back.”
I want to kill this son-of-a-bitch.
Caleb didn’t move. If Grear could provoke him into a fight, more than likely they’d shoot him and call it resisting arrest. The other two men flipped him on his back where he could see Grear.
Another kick to the ribs caused Caleb to wince. Still he didn’t move or say anything. Grear stomped his ribs.
“Maybe this is what he did in prison. Laid there and took it like a man. Were you someone’s bitch, McGregor?”
Caleb spit blood in Frank’s direction.
The other men laughed and made snide remarks.
“I’ve seen pictures of you before you went to prison. You were a real pretty boy. I can’t believe some horny convict didn’t want to make you his honey bunny.”
Caleb’s blood boiled. “The only man who tried that is dead.”
“Are you threatening me?” Grear asked.
Caleb grinned. “Just stating a fact.”
“Hold him up, boys.”
Again Caleb didn’t resist as the officers drug him to his feet and held him up by his arms. Grear’s fist drove into his stomach and then his jaw. More jabs to the face and stomach. As he fought losing consciousness, the men’s laughter echoed in his mind.