Tracie Peterson Page 19

  As Kerns came into the room with Russell Owens two paces behind, a hush came over the chattering reporters and cameras began to hum. Melissa was taking her own photographs today, since Gary had called in sick and the other photographers were assigned elsewhere. Clicking off several pictures, Melissa focused first on Kerns, then Owens, and finally on Serena.

  The conference moved at a rapid pace. Kerns lost little time in announcing that he had put into motion the demise of several small defunct agencies. Every attempt would be made to reassign the workers into other agencies, while the responsibilities that needed to be maintained would be passed on to larger ones. He further revealed, through a graph held up by Owens, that these actions would save the state millions in tax dollars.

  When questions were allowed, Melissa waited her turn and finally asked, “What if there are no available positions for the displaced workers?”

  “As I stated,” Kerns began without looking directly at Melissa, “every attempt will be made to find new positions for them. These will have to come from available positions, because obviously creating new ones will defeat the purpose of downsizing.”

  “And if there are no available positions?” Melissa pressed.

  “Then they will remain displaced.” Kerns’ voice registered irritation.

  “So, you may indeed have as many as fifteen hundred unemployed former state employees?” This question came from a Kansas City Star reporter.

  “That would be an unlikely scenario,” Kerns replied. “There are already positions available within the state—positions from which other employees have quit or retired. I am not opposed to filling these positions, if the position is deemed necessary. The displaced workers would be first in line to assume these jobs.”

  “What if the positions are in no way equal to the positions they’ve left?” Melissa shot out.

  “Under Civil Service regulations,” Kerns said in a tight manner, “workers may transfer in this manner to positions of equal or lower status and maintain their current salaries.”

  “Can you give us a list of the agencies you are closing?” a television interviewer asked.

  “Certainly. Ms. Perez will hand out a complete list to each of you. I’m afraid that’s all the time we have. I will keep you apprised of the situation either in person or through my office. Thank you for coming today.”

  Kerns got to his feet with a parting glance in Melissa’s direction. His gaze bore through Melissa’s self-sufficient exterior into the depths of her soul. He’d like to eliminate me like he did Teri and Cara, she thought. I’m in his way, and I ask too many difficult questions.

  Packing her notebook and camera into a canvas tote bag, Melissa edged her way through the crowd, snapping up a copy of the list from Serena. The affected agencies were spread out over the state, and in many situations were located in such remote areas that workers would have to travel for hours or relocate in order to be placed with other agencies. Naturally, it wouldn’t be Kerns’ fault if these rural community folk refused to make such a move.

  She rounded the corner at the south end of the second floor and heard muffled talking coming from a partially opened door. Easing close enough to hear, Melissa could make out the voices of Kerns and Owens.

  “. . . he’s a problem and I want to eliminate him from the Highway Patrol.”

  Kerns’ low chuckle was unmistakable. “Your jealousy is showing. I take it Lieutenant Oberlin is a hard act to follow.”

  “He’s insubordinate and out of line when he comes between me and my job.”

  “Is it really your job that’s at issue here? Or might I suggest it’s a certain brunette in Wichita.”

  Owens’ irritation was evident. “I want to fire him. Is that acceptable?”

  “Do what you want with the man. I certainly don’t care, but—and I stress this point—make it a clear-cut case of employee conflict and failure to comply with job standards. I don’t want this thing back in my lap in six weeks.”

  “No problem there,” Owens answered. “I just want to do a little housecleaning.”

  Melissa moved quickly away from the door and hurried to her car. Climbing in, she punched in Harry’s number on her cellular phone and waited.

  “Lieutenant Oberlin,” a voice sounded on the other end.

  “This is Mrs. Wipple. I’m calling about my impounded car again.” The code had been established by Melissa and Harry to avoid assisting anyone who might be listening in on their conversation via Harry’s state office line.

  “I understand you’re anxious,” Harry replied.

  “Yes, it’s urgent. I need that car immediately.”

  “The matter is under consideration and we will be in touch.” The click on Harry’s line told Melissa he understood exactly what needed to be done.

  Ten minutes later, Melissa arrived in the parking lot of Stormont Vail Hospital. The multiple levels of above-ground parking seemed to swallow up the light and left Melissa in the shadows until she spotted Harry’s car. Stepping forward, she motioned to him and Harry pulled alongside.

  “What’s up?” he asked, jumping from the car. “Is it Cara?”

  “No. As far as I know Cara is fine. I overheard Russell Owens and the governor talking. Russell wants your blood and Kerns just handed him the axe. I think the time has come for you to lay low.”

  “I think exactly the opposite is in line,” Harry said with a grin. “Cara and I have already discussed this. We decided if Russell tried to have me fired or otherwise discredited, Cara would transfer me to Wichita as her personal bodyguard.”

  Melissa laughed. “Well, that will certainly make Owens’ plans for romantic dinners with Cara a little less romantic.”

  “That’s the idea. Kerns doesn’t have too much to say about who Cara takes on staff.”

  “So you aren’t concerned?”

  “Not for me,” Harry replied. “But I’m very worried about Cara.”

  “You love her, don’t you?” Melissa was surprised that she’d thrust the question into the light. She’d guessed Harry’s feelings for a long time but knew he’d gone far to keep them hidden. The blank expression on his face clearly answered her question.

  “You are a good reporter,” he said with a bit of a smirk. “But please keep this news flash under wraps, okay?”

  “I’m glad about it, Harry. I think Cara probably feels the same way, although she’s never said it in so many words.”

  “Well,” Harry said, with a quick glance at his watch, “she’ll come around to our thinking in time.”

  “So, where do we meet next time?” Melissa questioned.

  “If there’s a next time, Mrs. Wipple, let’s meet at the zoo.”

  “Good enough. I’m certainly glad you’re not worried about this.”

  “God looks out for us, Melissa. You’d do well to consider the way He works in your own life.”

  Melissa frowned. “You and Cara both seem so sure of where you stand with God, and yet I feel most of the time like God is just this entity out there somewhere.”

  “He’s only as close as you let Him be.” Harry’s words struck a chord.

  “You make it sound so simple.” Melissa tried to sound lighthearted about the matter, but truth be told, she didn’t feel so lighthearted about it anymore. “Besides, how do you explain Cara’s situation if God is so close?”

  Harry leaned against the car and crossed his arms. “The way I’ve seen it so far, God has walked every step of the way with Cara. How else could she deal with such ruthlessness and lack of conscience? God is watching over her, protecting her, and guiding her to make the right choices. I don’t know that I would have given in to Kerns’ demands, but Cara did what she thought she had to. If it isn’t right for her to be lieutenant governor, God will show her.”

  “I wish I had your faith,” Melissa replied.

  “It isn’t all that hard to get,” Harry answered, a broad smile lining his tired face. “Accept that Jesus came to offer you salvation, confess and
repent of your sins, and turn your worries over to God. Faith comes along the way, kind of out of practice, so to speak. You have to step forward, trusting that God will be there. If you give it a shot, you’ll find that He never lets you down.”

  “Explain Teri Davis, then.” Melissa really wanted answers. She hoped, almost prayed, that Harry could make sense of the conflict inside her.

  “I can’t. I can’t explain Teri, or the hundreds of other things I’ve seen while on the force—things that seem heinous and unjust, without reason or explanation. But,” Harry said, reaching out a hand to Melissa, “God gave me a peace about trusting Him with the details. I may get frustrated because I don’t have all the answers, but God always reveals that He has it under control.”

  “And that’s enough for you?” Melissa felt the firm grasp of Harry’s large hand.

  “It’s all you’ll ever need. If God’s in control, then we don’t have to be. And if the alternative is that we take control and God gets a seat out there somewhere, as you put it, the picture becomes pretty grim.”

  “I guess that makes sense. Thanks, Harry.”

  He gave her hand a squeeze and droped his hold. “Anytime.”

  ****

  Cara was working to satisfy one of her more demanding deadlines when Liz announced that Harry Oberlin was there to see her. Perking up, Cara felt her pulse quicken. It had been less than a week since Harry had rescued her from Russell, and in that short time they’d talked nearly every night.

  “Hello there.”

  Cara looked up to find him dressed very casually in jeans and a white button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up. He was smiling at her like he did most of the time, looking for all the world like a man with a secret.

  “Hi.” She cleared her desk. “What brings you to Wichita?”

  “I’m job hunting.”

  “What?”

  “Russell Owens has asked King Kerns for permission to be ‘off with my head,’ and I thought I’d check out greener pastures.”

  Cara sighed. They’d both anticipated this action after Russell’s thwarted attack. “Harry, if you don’t want to move down here, I’ll put my foot down with Kerns and—”

  “You’ll do nothing of the kind. And why wouldn’t I want to move to Wichita? Long-distance dating is kind of hard on the wallet and the heart.”

  “Is that what we’re doing?” Cara laughed and tried to hide her nervousness. She’d found herself thinking a great deal about Harry these last few days. Sometimes she even wondered what Jack would have thought of him.

  “I think so,” Harry finally answered, shutting her office door. “Although at times I question exactly what it is myself. Look, I want to say something, and I’d appreciate it if you would agree to hear me out.”

  His sudden seriousness worried her. They’d never resolved her rejection of him on the night of the inaugural ball. Even after the incident with Russell, Harry had never said a word to her about it. Perhaps now she was being called to account for it. When Cara found it impossible to reply, Harry continued.

  “I’m able to take care of myself. With God, I’m a pretty heavy-duty force. So I don’t want you thinking you have to baby-sit me or offer me a hand-out. Kerns and Owens don’t worry me for myself. It’s you that concerns me.”

  “I know,” she said in a whisper.

  “I’m glad. I guess since you stormed off the night of the ball, I’ve been trying to figure out what I did wrong and how I could have handled that situation better.”

  “But you didn’t do anything wrong,” Cara argued. “I just can’t deal with everything at once. Kerns scares me, and his agenda is weighing heavily on me. Then Russell comes down here and tries to threaten me with Brianna. . . .”

  “He did what?”

  Cara swallowed hard, remembering that Harry knew nothing of Russell’s threats. “It’s not important now.” She got up and started to pace. “I think I’m going to have to get out of this job. I don’t know exactly when or how, but perhaps if I’m out of the picture, Kerns can assign whomever he chooses to be lieutenant governor.” It was as if the idea had come to her for the first time.

  “That’s a decision only you can make,” Harry replied. “I’m only here because I want to protect you, if you want me. Otherwise, I’m perfectly capable of looking for work elsewhere.”

  “No! I want you here,” she said, stopping suddenly. She couldn’t bear the idea of Harry getting too far away. It was still a mystery to her exactly what she was going to do with him, but keeping him close sounded very reasonable.

  Harry smiled. “I’m glad. I can start immediately. Oh, and I expect some pretty good job benefits.”

  Cara tried to ignore the nagging reminder of Kerns and returned the smile. “I’ll just bet you do.”

  Thirty-Four

  By August, Bob Kerns was finally able to see some results to his no-nonsense approach to government. Not only had he reduced the state employee numbers, but he had managed to arrange some very comfortable deals on the side with private businessmen. Deals that would continue to support his affluent lifestyle and buy him the power he craved.

  He was, in fact, leading what many people called a “charmed life.” His political hard lines were taking the state by storm, and while employees who stood to lose their jobs were less than satisfied with Kerns’ style, taxpayers loved the idea of cuts that would trickle down their way via tax reductions slated for the next year.

  He smiled at his reflection and finished running an electric razor over his face. Even Cara Kessler was less of a problem than he’d anticipated. She’d vexed Russell Owens by assigning Harry Oberlin to her personal security staff, but Kerns couldn’t have cared less. If it kept her feeling some portion of control—control that was unimportant to Kerns—then it made for good politics and a quiet lieutenant governor.

  Coming out of the bathroom, Kerns pulled on a fresh shirt and prepared to face a new workday. He glanced with something akin to indifference at a Kansas City newspaper article that spoke of the suicide of George Sheldon. The article indicated Sheldon’s trouble with the EPA along with his waning health as reasons for the depression that led to suicide. Good riddance. One less problem for him to address.

  “Who are you sl . . . sleeping with this week?” Debra slurred, coming into the room. The drink in her hand at seven in the morning was either an indication of an all-night pity party or an early morning jump on the day.

  Kerns glanced at his watch. “Isn’t it a little early to be drunk, even for you?”

  “I hate your guts!” Debra cried and stumbled forward as if she might throw the drink at Kerns. He easily knocked it out of her hands and onto the thick mauve carpet below.

  “Stay away from me, Debra, or I’ll have you committed.”

  She rushed at him with her nails bared upward to his face. “You’re a lying conniving cheater!”

  “What’s going on?” Danielle had come to the doorway just as Bob had taken hold of Debra’s flailing hands.

  “Your mother is out of control. I’m afraid we’re going to have to put her in a hospital.”

  Danielle looked mortified. “You don’t mean you’re going to force her into a psychiatric ward, do you?”

  “I mean exactly that!” he yelled. “Look at her! She’s drunk before eight in the morning. She goes through the stuff like water, and there’s no telling when she’ll get behind the wheel in this condition and kill someone. Don’t you think we owe it to her and the rest of the world to put her into rehab?”

  Danielle hurried forward to encircle her mother’s shoulders. “Please calm down, Mama. You’ve got Dad all upset. If you don’t calm down, he’s going to send you away.”

  Debra seemed to ease back a little, but Bob still held her arms at the wrist. “It’s too late for that, Danielle. She will be sent to get the help she needs. If nothing else, it will get her out of my hair and leave me free to do what I have to do.”

  “Don’t you mean who you have to do?” Debra screec
hed. “You lousy two-timing . . .” Kerns freed a hand and slapped her hard.

  Danielle began to cry. “Please stop. Please don’t do this to each other.”

  Kerns looked at his daughter in complete disgust. “Get her out of my sight,” he told her and thrust Debra into Danielle’s embrace.

  By this time Grace Gleason, their housekeeper, had appeared to offer her assistance. She frowned at her employer, but Kerns had never cared about winning domestic popularity contests. He grabbed his tie and coat and turned at the door. “This matter will be settled tonight!”

  Unable to control his temper, Kerns pounded his fist against the wall outside his door. It left an indentation from the blow and sent shooting pain up his arm. In his mind, he blamed Debra for the discomfort.

  ****

  “I guess you heard about Sheldon,” Russell said when Kerns got into the car.

  Scowling, Kerns motioned to the road. “Just drive and we’ll talk about something important.”

  “I figured it was important by the look on your face.” Russell pulled out of the drive with only a single side-glance at Kerns.

  “The time has come to put Debra into a hospital,” he announced. “I want you to call Menninger’s Pyschiatric Clinic and make the arrangements.”

  “Are you sure? I mean, this is going to be hard on your public appearance.” Russell merged into the main thoroughfare.

  “Not if we do it right.” Kerns was working hard to regain control of his anger. He’d had it with Debra’s morning brawls and nightly drunken tirades. More than once security had called at the Capitol and relayed their serious confrontations with a very drunken first lady. It was all more than he should have to handle. Perhaps when he went public with the seriousness of Debra’s problem, Serena Perez would offer him a bit of comfort. She had been such a perplexing woman. Kerns found it a personal challenge to discover a way to get her into his bed. So far, however, she’d flatly refused him. Maybe sympathy was the right approach. Maybe his broken heart over Debra’s condition would win him some intimate comfort.