Magic in the Rain

Chapter 2

2

“I’ve got news about Pad.” Ellie leaned in. “But don’t say anything. We want to tell the family over the weekend.”

“Are you engaged?” Dani whispered.

Ellie giggled, “No, nothing like that, although the thought has crossed my mind a few times. I might be ready to take the plunge. But, no, Hank Booth, the chief of police, offered him a permanent job on the force and Pad accepted.”

“Does that mean he won’t be doing photography anymore?” Dani wondered aloud.

“No, but he wants to be home more, and he loved being a cop. He just didn’t want to do undercover work anymore. He still doesn’t talk about what he went through before we met. It must have been pretty awful.”

“It’ll be nice to have him around all the time.” Dani winked. “Maybe this means wedding bells are in your future?”

Ellie grinned. “Maybe. But keep our secret until Mom says something. I’m going to have the family over on Sunday and, of course, I expect you there too.”

“Jeez, El. I don’t want to intrude on a family thing,” Dani protested.

“You’re an honorary McKenna, and besides, I won’t take no for an answer, but there is one small caveat.”

“I think I know what’s coming…”

“Can you fix something for dessert? Nothing fancy but I do love your chocolate cream pie.”

“You got it.” Dani beamed. It was a good feeling to be, in some small way, a part of a family. She had some place to go for holidays, and they had even given her a birthday party the first year she moved to Loudon. Last year, they surprised Dani again on her birthday when there was another dinner party for her. “What time?”

“I’ll close the shop at four, so come over about five.” Ellie glanced at her watch. “I gotta fly, but remember, mum’s the word until Sunday.”

Dani crossed her hand over her heart. “I won’t tell a soul.”

Ellie called out goodbye to her mother and Luke. “Oh.” She stopped short. “Any cupcakes today?”

“I’ll have something before lunch. Should I save you a few?”

“You know me too well. I’ll stop back if you can put six aside?”

“When we close, I’ll swing over. It will be good to stretch my legs.”

“Sounds good. See ya.” Ellie left through the back door and Dani went back to baking. She needed to whip up the promised cupcakes. She was already looking forward to hanging out with Ellie.

Dani was strolling up the sidewalk when she noticed a cop car sitting outside Ellie’s. Concerned, she walked faster.

Almost jogging up the driveway, Dani relaxed when she heard deep male laughter. Ellie wasn’t alone. Ever since Ellie had been attacked last year, Dani had been on edge, despite the fact that the person responsible was locked up.

Giving a sharp rap on the door, Dani called out hello and walked in. This was the norm after Ellie had admonished Dani about standing on formality when dropping by.

“Come on in, we’re in the family room,” Dani heard Ellie call out.

She set the cupcake box on the counter and went down the hallway toward the back of the house. She was taken aback when she discovered a police officer in uniform sitting in the chair.

“Am I interrupting anything?” Dani asked.

“Not at all,” Pad said. “My new partner, Paul, stopped over.” Ellie looked from Dani to Paul. “Have you two met?”

Dani shook her head. “No.”

Paul stood up. “Yes, we met last year when Ellie was attacked and I’ve been in What’s Perkin’ many times.” Extending his hand, he said, “Paul Greene, at your service, Miss?”

“Dani Michaels.” Dani withdrew her small hand from his firm handshake. “I work at What’s Perkin’.”

“So, you’re the one responsible,” Paul teased.

Dani’s heart raced. “I’m sorry. Responsible?”

“The extra miles I’ve had to run. Your cupcakes are fantastic, and I’m a huge fan. Pad has brought some to the station from time to time. I think it’s when he feels sorry for the boys in blue, to be honest.”

Dani reminded herself to breathe. Paul Greene, despite his slender frame, dirty blond hair, and his boyish good looks, was Ellie and Pad’s friend. He must be a good guy.

“That’s me, the baker.” Dani forced herself to smile. “Ellie, I’m going to run since you have company. I put the cupcakes on the counter.”

Ellie jumped up, “Stay. I was waiting for you. We’re going to have coffee.”

“Don’t let me scare you away. I just stopped by to check on my buddy and they coerced me into coffee too.”

Dani would have had to be blind to not see the deep dimples when Paul smiled. “Well, you’ve talked me into it. But I can’t stay long.”

“It’s all settled then. Paul just finished his shift so there’s no reason for anyone to rush off.” Ellie went toward the kitchen with Dani trailing.

“Why didn’t you tell me you were having company?” Dani murmured.

“Paul’s become a great friend. He really helped me get through the worst time in my life.” Ellie glanced at Dani while she got water from the tap. “He’s a sweet guy. You don’t need to look at him like he’s a wolf that’s going to eat you alive.”

“It’s not like that, Ellie. You know I’m shy.” Dani pushed her oversized glasses up her pert nose and brushed back her bangs.

“Did you see how cute he is? Of course, not as tall as Pad, but still, some girls would go weak in the knees for his crystal blue eyes.”

“I didn’t notice,” Dani lied.

Ellie gave a knowing smile and set out mugs on a tray along with the cupcakes and napkins. “Would you grab the sugar bowl and cream’s in the fridge?”

Dani did as requested. “How well does Pad know Paul?”

He’s tagged along a few times when we’ve gone fishing, and I know he and Pad have been running together quite a bit. I’m glad he’s making friends in Loudon.”

Pad and Paul came into the kitchen, “What’s taking you two so long? Did you send Dani back to the shop for more cupcakes?” Pad laughed. “I don’t know if six will be enough.”

Dani blushed with the implied compliment. “I can run back to the cafe. I think there were a few left unless Cari took them home.”

“No need. I’ll be good and share with everyone.” Pad picked up the tray. “Deck or family room?”

Ellie glanced at the thermometer outside. “The rain’s stopped and it’s warmed up. Let’s go out back.”

Paul held the door open for the group and waited until Dani stepped outside before closing the door.

The conversation never slowed, and with the sun almost kissing the horizon, Pad’s stomach rumbled.

Dani teased, “Ellie, I think your man is starving.”

Pad asked. “Instead of me cooking, who wants to have pizza? Paul, Dani, are you interested in hanging out a little longer?” Pad grinned at his girl. “Ellie does great takeout.”

“Hey, are you saying I can’t cook?” Ellie tried to look irritated but laughed instead.

“Not at all. You’re good at everything you touch when it comes to food, but I’m in the mood for pizza from Slices.”

Paul looked around the trio. “Well, you can count me in. Pizza is a major food group in my book.”

Dani hated to be a wet blanket but didn’t relish the idea of walking home after dark, and she didn’t want to ask Pad for a ride. “I think I’m going to head out. I didn’t bring a flashlight and critters are coming out after dark. I don’t think Cari would appreciate her kitchen smelling like Pepé Le Pew. It would be a business killer.”

“No, stay. We’ll walk you home,” Ellie pleaded.

“Dani, I can drop you off. It’s not out of my way at all.” Paul’s voice was like warm honey to Dani. “I’m going with Pad to drop off the cruiser and pick up my truck. The neighbors won’t think you’re in trouble with the law.”

Dani tamped down her instinct to flee. She wanted to continue being with friends, as her apartment got lonely at night. “You talked me into it.”

Pad and Paul took off while Ellie called in their order and then texted the pickup number to Pad. “I ordered some wings and salad too. We’ll have more than enough for four, but pizza is tasty for breakfast, don’t you think, Dani?”

Ellie touched her arm, “Earth to Dani?”

“Sorry, I was thinking about the next cupcake special and didn’t hear what you were saying.”

“Is everything all right? You seem distracted.” The girls had settled into overstuffed chairs in the family room. “I hope you’re not upset we sort of pressured you into staying for dinner.”

“No, I’m happy to be included. I’m not a fan of walking in the dark.” Dani choked back the fear in her voice.

“Dani, what’s really going on? You got nervous when you saw Paul in uniform, and I would never think you were afraid of anything, much less the dark. You lived in the state forest when you first came to town.”

Dani struggled with her inner self, desperately wanting to confide in Ellie but worried about what she might think.

“In a nutshell, before I came to Loudon, I was in a really bad relationship with a fireman. He wasn’t the guy I thought he was. On the outside, all charming and sweet, but out of the public eye, he was nasty. Finally, I reached my breaking point and broke up with him. Unfortunately, he didn’t take it well and had one of his buddies stop by the bakery I worked at, saying I had taken money from his wallet.” Anguished, she continued, “I swear I didn’t take it, I think he did it to harass me, and it didn’t stop at just the one time. He was unrelenting. I had to get out. When my old boss decided to retire and move away, I took off. For a long time, I didn’t even tell my parents where I was living. I was afraid all men in uniform would stick together, and he’d send someone else after me. About a month ago, I got a letter. It wasn’t signed, but I know it was from him.”

“Dani.” Ellie took her icy cold hands and rubbed them. “Why didn’t you tell me or at least Mom? She and Ray would have made sure to have an auto flood light installed at the very least. We wouldn’t want you to feel uneasy in your home.”

“I’m not going to burden any of you with my problems.” Dani pulled away and looked out the back window. “It’s my problem, and I’ll take care of it, even if it means I have to move again.”

“Pardon me for being selfish, but I finally have a good friend, and I’m not going to let some jerk drive you out of town. Besides, he doesn’t even live around here.” Ellie put her arms around Dani. “Let me help you. Let us help you.”

“El, help with what?” Pad stood in the doorway with a huge pizza box, and Paul was right behind him holding a large paper bag.

“It’s nothing, Pad,” Dani interjected. “Ellie is going to help me pick out a new pair of boots.” Dani tried to brush aside the conversation.

Ellie looked at Pad. His police frown creased his brow. “Dani, I think you should tell Pad. He’ll know what to do. He’s one of the good guys.”

“It’s nothing, really. I’m overreacting is all.” Dani looked from Ellie to Pad and then Paul. “Really.”

Paul crossed the room. “Is someone bothering you around the shop, Dani?”

“No, I haven’t seen anyone.” Dani wrung her hands and cried, “This is what I wanted to avoid, having people know the truth.” Dani tried to flee when Ellie stepped between Dani and the door.

“It’s time to stop running, Dani, and between the four of us, we can come up with a plan. I promise, no one will blame you for someone else’s actions.”

Pad gestured to the chair. “I’ve always believed the best place to start over is to revisit the beginning, get a new perspective, and then the solution will follow.”

Dani sat down, dropping her head into her hands. After taking a few deep, ragged breaths, she looked up. “You have to promise me you won’t tell Cari and Ray. I don’t want them to worry.”

“Dani, I can’t promise you. If there’s something Mom should know, we have to tell her.” Ellie perched on the chair. “But Mom won’t be angry with you. She’s been through enough in her lifetime to know when a friend needs help. You need help.”

Pad and Paul both sat on the edge of the couch, waiting for Dani to begin.

“About five years ago, I worked at a bakery in Chester. I started there when I was in high school and knew most of the regulars. It was a popular spot for cops and firemen and Angelo encouraged them to stop by for coffee. You know, if the cops are in and out it keeps the riffraff down.”

Paul nodded. “It’s a great perk to get hot coffee at various locations.”

“After I graduated from high school, my parents moved out west, but I wanted to stay on at the bakery. I found a small apartment and kept working with the Hassetts. Helen was an amazing cake baker, and I loved working with her, the way she combined flavors was light years beyond what I can do. Anyway, Angelo, Helen’s husband, taught me about breads, and I planned to buy them out when it was time for them to retire. And then he walked into the bakery, and I was a goner. I think it was love at first sight. Derek is a fireman. He’s a big guy, strong and always joking. He was off duty, and it was his turn to pick up muffins for the next shift. After that first day, he volunteered to pick up breads and anything else he thought the guys would eat. The first time he asked me out, I thought, why did this guy want to go out with a little mouse like me? I accepted before he could change his mind.”

Dani stopped and took a sip of cold coffee. “We spent a lot of our free time together, and I was awestruck. All the girls drooled over him when we were out, but he only had eyes for me.”

She exhaled. “After about six months, we started living together at his place several nights a week, and a couple months afterward, I gave up my apartment and we lived together full time. He would bring home flowers and little gifts on a regular basis and then things slowly started to change. He started to criticize what I wore, how I cooked, how I cleaned. Nothing I did was good enough.”

Ellie grasped Dani’s hand. “Sweetie, you know he was verbally abusing you, and it sounds like nothing you could have done would have made him happy.”

“At the time, I thought I was a failure and it was my fault. Somehow, I was flawed. And then Maureen, an old friend of my mother’s, stopped at the bakery. It was like she could see right through me, right to my soul and my bleeding heart. She asked if I would meet her after work to talk. We met at a fast food joint and, over French fries, I told her everything but begged her not to tell my mother. I was sure she wouldn’t understand, and they loved Derek. He was the perfect boyfriend in my parents’ eyes.”

Pad spoke gently. “Dani, this is often the case with men who a***e women. They can be very charming to everyone, but behind closed doors, they want to control the women they claim to love. You could have done everything he asked, and it still wouldn’t have been good enough.”

“I know that now. After talking to Maureen, I started to understand. She gave me her number and told me to call anytime. We talked a few more times. After each time, I got stronger and more in control of my emotions. I planned on leaving, and I never said anything to Derek. After the bakery closed and he went to work, I packed everything I could into my car and took off, and I’ve never looked back.”

“Is that how you ended up in Loudon?” Ellie asked.

Dani nodded. “It wasn’t a direct route. I drifted around for almost a year.”

Paul had been listening quietly until he asked, “Have you heard from this guy since you’ve been here?”

“My parents know where I’m living. I’ve asked them not to say anything to Derek if he calls or give him my address. But then I got a card, but it was unsigned. I don’t know for sure if it was from Derek.”

Paul looked at Pad, his lips in a thin, hard line.

“What did it say?” Ellie asked.

“Dear Danielle. I hope you’re doing well. All the best.”

“Do your parents know why you broke off the relationship?” Paul asked.

“I told them it was a bad breakup and nothing more.”

“Were you ever afraid for your safety?” Pad jumped in.

Dani chewed on her lower lip before answering, “There were a couple of times I thought he wanted to hit me, but the most he did was grab my arm once.”

Paul and Pad glanced at each other. “Dani, did he leave any bruises on your arm?”

Dani nodded. Tears hovered in her eyes. “I never told anyone. He said it was my fault. I made him angry.”

“You know that’s a lie, right?” Ellie’s voice cracked.

Dani looked at her hands in her lap, “Yes.”

Paul pulled a card out of his shirt pocket. “Dani, take this. If you hear from him or if, for any reason, you think you’re not safe, call me, day or night. My cell number is listed.”

“Do you think he found me?” Dani’s voice quivered.

“I don’t have any reason to think he’ll go out of his way to come here, but I’d feel better if you had my number. Actually, program it into your phone.”

Ellie grabbed Dani’s handbag. “I think you should put Pad’s cell number in there too. Strength in numbers.” Ellie’s voice was calm and soothing.

With hands shaking, Dani did as the guys asked. When she was done, she looked up. “I’m sorry I was such a downer, and now the pizza’s cold.”

Pad smiled, “I’ve eaten a lot of cold pizza in my day, and as far as I’m concerned, that’s the way it tastes best.”

Dani looked at her friends. “Then I guess we should eat.”