When Love's at Work Read online

Pure didn’t have the heart to tell Meggie that she knew Bobby was almost here because she was the one picking him up at the airport. Bob had filled her in on his plan and she couldn’t be more delighted. And how cool was it that Alex had sold Bobby the house intended for her? That man never ceased to amaze her. Meg was going to be thrilled and surprised. For now, though, mum was the word.

  “Oh, I thought he was coming in tomorrow,” Pure lied.

  “Nope, it’s today and I can hardly stand waiting one more minute than I absolutely have to,” Meg proclaimed. “One weird thing, though.”

  “What’s that?”

  “He wants me to meet him at Mrs. Cravens home. Isn’t that a bit strange?”

  “I don’t know,” Pure answered, “Maybe he wants to pick one of her gorgeous roses and give it to you. Didn’t you mention to him that you used to do that when you were taking piano lessons from Mrs. Cravens?”

  “Well, yes, I did mention it to him, but I’m sure he wouldn’t remember.”

  “I wouldn’t be so sure,” Pure commented. “That brother of mine can remember a lot of stuff, when he wants to.”

  Meg seemed to be satisfied with Purity’s explanation and the two friends began talking about the upcoming carnival.

  Purity picked Bobby up at the airport around noon and played chauffer for all his errands so that he could be Meg’s knight in shining armor upon his trusty steed by 4pm.

  “So, this is it,” Pure said to Bob as he awkwardly maneuvered his armor-clad body into the driver’s seat of the white Mustang. She handed him the bouquet of red roses, then asked, “Do you have the key to the house?”

  “Shit! Shit! Where’s the frickin’ key? I had it in my pants pocket, but I changed into this get up and now where the hell are my other pants?”

  The scene would have been comical if Bobby’s face hadn’t looked so serious. Calmly, Purity went back to her car and retrieved his pants from the back seat. “Here you go, sport. Now breathe.”

  Bobby took the pants from Pure’s hand and found the key safely tucked into the front pocket. Bob sighed with relief. “I want this moment to be perfect.”

  “It will be,” Purity assured him. “And, Bobby, remember that Meg loves you, so even if things don’t go exactly as planned, it will all work out just fine.”

  “Easy for you to say. I feel like a rusty tin can, my nerves are shot and I’m not even sure where my directions to Mrs. Cravens’ home are.”

  “Breathe. Your directions are on the seat next to your helmet.”

  Bobby looked over and saw that Pure was correct. Everything he needed was in the passenger’s seat. Actually, everything he needed was waiting for him outside Emily Cravens’ house.

  Bob took a deep breath. “Thanks, sis.”

  Purity smiled as Bobby drove off to ask the love of his life to marry him.

  Meg saw a white car approach. Could that be Bobby? She hadn’t asked him what kind of car he was going to rent. As the vehicle got closer, she heard it sputter and wheeze before it died right in the middle of the road. Meg laughed to herself. Poor guy. She had a Comet years ago that used to die at every stoplight if she didn’t rev the engine.

  A man got out of the car, at least she thought it was a man. It was hard to tell because he appeared to be… yes, he was dressed in a suit of armor. Now Meg laughed out loud. What in the world? Was she on a hidden camera show or something?

  The man in armor was walking toward her, then he stopped, turned around and went back to his car. When he retraced his steps he had a large bouquet of red roses in his hand. Suddenly it dawned on Meg, it was Bobby. her knight in shining armor. Tears filled her eyes as she ran forward to greet him.

  Bobby stopped her from hugging him by putting his hand up. Meg was puzzled, but stood fast. Bob struggled to get down on one knee as the metal dug into his thighs and calves. He barely felt the pain because he was so nervous and excited. The saliva in his mouth had turned to dust and he wasn’t even sure he’d be able to get his words out.

  “Meg,” he said, “I love you with all my heart and I want to make you the happiest woman on earth. Will you marry me?”

  “Yes!” Meg said, beaming with a smile that stretched from ear to ear. “Can I hug you now?” she asked.

  “You can, if you help me up,” Bobby replied. “I’m stuck.”

  Meg suppressed a giggle and helped her fiancée up off the ground. He was heavier than she thought and in his desire to hang on to the roses and Meg’s arm, something had to give. It was the roses. They fell to the sidewalk, petals staining the cement with scarlet color.

  “Damn it!” Bobby said in frustration as he finally stood upright again. “This is not turning out like I planned.”

  “I think it’s perfect,” Meg said, as she removed Bobby’s helmet and laced her arms around his neck. “I love you and I love that you went to all this trouble to be my knight in shining armor.” Meg kissed her soon-to-be husband and Bobby forgot all about his carefully thought out plans that had gone askew. Meg’s eyes were warm and welcoming and she felt like home.

  “Oh, the key,” Bobby said as he pulled away from Meg. “Where’s the key?”

  “What key?”

  “The key to Mrs. Cravens’ house.”

  “Why do you have the key to Mrs. Cravens’ house?”

  “It’s our house now. I bought it for you. For us.” Bobby searched the area where the roses fell with his eyes. He saw a glint of silver under a thorny stem and bent carefully to uncover it.

  “No, let me,” Meg said. “I don’t want you to get stuck again.” Meg retrieved the key. “This is the key to our house.”

  Bobby took Meg’s hand and they walked together up to the door to their new home. Meg turned the key in the lock and they opened the door to their future together.

  Courtney was busy setting up the face painting booth Purity had conned her into running. It wasn’t going to be your ordinary flower, heart or animal artwork. No, indeed. Court specialized in making bruises, scars, bloody wounds and stitches. The kids would love it.

  Sheila Martin had a clipboard and was happily checking off item after item. The Back-To-School Carnival would open in less than an hour and everything appeared to be falling into place perfectly.

  A line had formed halfway around the block behind the temporary gates that had been installed. Security was in place and the traffic controllers were busily directing cars into the Methodist Church parking lot about a block away. Sheila had contributed that excellent idea. Again, Pure thought that Sheila’s skills were being underutilized. She made a mental note to discuss possible advancement for Sheila with Judd Broadstreet.

  Even though all their i’s were dotted and their t’s were crossed, Pure couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling trickling down her spine. She felt like a fish in an aquarium. being watched with no means of escape.

  Alex slid up beside her and placed his arm around her waist.

  “It’s fabulous,” he whispered in Pure’s ear.

  “I think so, too,” Purity replied, trying to shove her trepidation aside.

  “I especially like that the rides are only one ticket a piece. Means more kids can ride and they don’t have to choose between food or an amusement. They’ll have enough money to do both,”

  “The First Aid Station’s all set,” Sheila said, checking off the last item on her list. “We are good to go.”

  Purity glanced at her watch and then said, “With thirty minutes to spare. We rock!”

  “Here comes Mark Watterson,” Sheila noted.

  “Great job, Purity,” Mark said, giving Pure’s hand a hearty shake with his own.

  “Our team worked hard,” Purity replied. “Especially Sheila.” Pure directed her gaze toward her assistant.

  Mark extended his hand to Sheila and stated, “Good job, Sheila.”

  Sheila had never been singled out on a project and the acknowledgement made her confidence soar. All she could do was smile as she took Mark’s hand in hers, returning his greeting.r />
  Bobby and Meg joined the group at the same time Tapestry and Chance made their entrance.

  “Did you see that crowd out there?” Meg asked.

  “I almost got trampled just trying to walk on the sidewalk,” Tapestry added.

  “It will be better once the gates open and everyone spreads out,” Pure said.

  Sheila retrieved the big, oversized scissors from the information booth and gave them to Mark.

  The red ribbon had been Sheila’s idea, as well. It would be a great photo opportunity, as a contest had been held to choose the youngster who would use the big scissors to cut the ribbon and officially open the carnival. Four-year-old Stephanie Watson won the contest by guessing the number of jelly beans in a jar that had been placed in the community center at The Kids’ Place.

  Stephanie had large blue eyes and curly blonde hair, currently being held in place with two Hello Kitty ponytail holders. The stretchy bands matched her Hello Kitty t-shirt and pink shorts. She was nothing short of adorable.

  Five minutes to “show time” saw the group gathering at the main entrance with little Stephanie holding the scissors that were twice her size. At exactly 9:00am, Steph cut the pre-scored ribbon to a wild round of applause and the gates were opened. The Back-To-School Carnival was underway.

  The morning flew by and Purity lost sight of her friends quickly as they all scattered to toss rings, throw balls at bowling pins, and get their fortune told by Madame Priscilla.

  Mid-afternoon, when Meg tapped on Purity’s shoulder, Pure’s startled response was golden. “What in the hell happened to you?”

  Meg looked like she had been in a horrific accident. Rivers of blood stains covered half of her face and her forehead looked as if someone had bludgeoned her with a sharp instrument.

  “Court?” Purity asked, knowing full well that no one else could have transformed sweet, pixie-like Meg into such a heinous accident victim.

  “Isn’t it great?” Meg said enthusiastically. “You should see Bobby. He looks hideous! The kids are totally having a ball with it, too. Court’s got the longest booth line in the whole place, even longer than the lines for the rides.”

  “I’m not surprised. I think I need to go get in line,” Purity said with a mischievous smile.

  “Oh yes!” Meg encouraged. “I’ll go with you.”

  Halfway to Court’s booth, Bobby caught Meg’s arm and said, “Let’s ride the Scrambler.”

  “I’m going with Pure to get her face painted,” Meg explained.

  “Oh, no, it’s fine, Meg, go with Bob. I’ll catch up with you later.”

  “Are you sure you don’t mind?” Meg asked.

  “I’m sure. Go, go,” Pure shooed the couple away.

  As she approached Courtney’s booth, Stephanie Watson was just getting up from having her face painted. Her cute little mug was now covered from her forehead down to her lips with a jagged scar that resembled a railroad track. She was grinning broadly as she surveyed her new look in the mirror. “Cool! Look mom,” she said.

  “You getting tired, Court?” Pure asked her friend.

  Court met her friend’s gaze and replied, “Never.” Courtney was in her element.

  Meg hadn’t exaggerated the popularity of Court’s booth. Pure decided to come back later when the line was not quite so long. It seemed like the size of the crowd had tripled in the last half hour. Even though the event was outside, it felt claustrophobic to Purity.

  Pure eyed the picnic benches that were located at the very end of the southeast corner of the parking lot. They were deserted. Pure made a bee-line for them. It would feel good to sit down and take a bit of a breather.

  It was fun to watch all the activity from the sidelines. Everyone appeared to be having a good time. Chalk up another success, although a bit prematurely since the day wasn’t over and they had two more days to go.

  The clown seemed to come out of nowhere. Pure hadn’t noticed him walking towards her.

  “You startled me,” she said.

  “Sorry,” the clown said in a deep voice.

  “No problem. Everything seems to be going really well. Thanks for participating,” Purity made small talk with the man in polka dot pants and a multi-colored wig.

  “My pleasure.”

  Purity wasn’t sure why she felt uncomfortable, but the hairs on the back of her neck were standing on end and a cold chill ran down her spine, even though the temperature was in the low 80s.

  “Do you want to sit down?” Pure asked.

  “Thanks,” he said, and sat down on the bench next to her. They sat in silence for several minutes.

  “Well,” Pure began, getting up from her seated position and turning to face the clown, “guess I’d better get back to work.”

  “Can’t you stay a little longer?”

  Purity thought it was sweet that the clown wanted company, so she smiled at him and their eyes met, familiar eyes.

  Her entire body was locked in a trance-like state and the smile fell from her lips. She was too far away from the crowd to be heard over all the noise of the rides, laughter and carnival music. If she tried to run, he’d be on top of her in seconds.

  “You need to leave,” Purity said, surprised that her voice didn’t shake, but sounded firm and in control. She certainly didn’t feel that way.

  “Or what?” Derek Worthington asked. “Are you going to try your self-defense techniques on me?”

  He’d been watching her, probably much more than she was even aware. Well, if this was where she needed to take her stand, so be it. She was not going to be a victim even one minute longer. This was going to end now. Her fear would not get the best of her this time around.

  “What do you want, Derek?” She said his name deliberately. She wanted him to know that his disguise didn’t fool her and she was not the scared little girl he once knew.

  “I want you. And then I want you,” he paused, “dead.”

  “So, what are you waiting for, an engraved invitation?” Purity pushed him with her words.

  Derek’s eyes narrowed, “What are you trying to pull?”

  “If you want me, come get me.”

  Derek moved quickly from the picnic table and lunged for Purity.

  Purity shoved the heel of her hand directly up and onto Derek’s nose, thankful he had taken off the big, red rubber ball nose most of the clowns were wearing. Blood came gushing out and Pure realized it was quite different than hitting Charlie Mankins in his attacker suit.

  “You broke my fucking nose!” Derek yelled. After coming out of shock that Purity had hit him, he lunged at her again, this time being sure to watch where her hands were.

  Purity grabbed Derek’s arm and pulled him past her, then she stepped up onto the picnic table seat and threw her entire body weight onto Derek’s back, tackling him before he could turn around. He rolled her over so he was on top of her.

  “Well, this is better,” he said cockily. “This is just where I wanted you.”

  Derek took her arms and placed them above her head, then pinned them with one of his hands.

  Damn, Pure thought. She hadn’t expected this turn of events and she suddenly felt very foolish for not running away or screaming. She had played right into Derek’s hands.

  Derek’s fingertips traced Pure’s lips. “So soft,” Derek said dreamily. “Such a shame that no one will ever touch your lips again.”

  Pure swallowed hard as his hand lowered to her neck and began to squeeze.

  “Remember what it felt like the last time we were together?” he asked.

  Pure squirmed. She would not panic, she told herself. She had to keep a clear head. This was not like last time. It would never be like last time ever again.

  Derek removed his hand and Purity tried to escape.

  “Not so fast, little one,” Derek said, soothingly, as he retrieved the blade from his pocket. He showed the knife to Purity. He wanted to make sure she saw every inch of the sharp steel. He pressed it against the flesh on her
neck where his fingers had been.

  “It feels cool in the heat, doesn’t it?” he asked. When Pure didn’t answer he pushed the blade further against her skin, “Doesn’t it?” he said louder and stronger.

  “No,” she said firmly. “Get the fuck off of me,” Pure commanded with much more verve than she felt.

  “When did you get a backbone?”

  “When I fell in love with a real man. A man I can trust and believe in. A man who doesn’t lie or cheat or steal. The kind of man you’ll never be.”

  “Shut up!”

  “No, I won’t shut up. I’ll never shut up. My voice will not be silent any more,” Purity stated with conviction. Then she screamed. A loud blood-curling, from the very tips of your toes kind of scream.

  Because he had the knife in his right hand, he used his left hand to cover Pure’s mouth. Big mistake, Purity thought as she used her free hands to whack Derek in his already-broken nose.

  Derek howled in pain as more blood shot out of his nasal passages.

  “Sonofabitch,” he mumbled in agony.

  Purity rolled out from under him, stood up, and began stomping on the hand that held the knife. Derek dropped the blade and Purity picked it up. She’d never threatened anyone with a knife in her life, but she swore if Derek moved an inch she would stab that blade so deep into his flesh no one would ever be able to get it out.

  “You will never hurt me again. Do you understand?” she yelled at Derek. “Do you understand?” she repeated when he didn’t answer.

  The sound of running footsteps reached Pure’s ears. She didn’t want to take her eyes off the man on the ground, but she quickly glanced toward the sound. Meg, Bobby and Alex were only yards from her. That’s when her legs began to feel weak and the gravity of the situation began to reveal itself. She could have been killed. She would have been killed. That had been Derek’s intention.

  Alex said quietly, “Purity, it’s Alex. I’m going to take the knife from you. The police are on their way.” He approached her slowly, still talking in a calm, quiet tone. “I’m almost behind you. I’m going to put my hand out and take the knife from you.” He gently touched her hand. Purity heard his words, but was frozen in place. Once Alex had the knife in his hand, Purity turned her body into his and he held her tightly with his left arm.