Page 18 of Elsie's Strong Shelter

“Sure,” Elsie said. She didn’t know if Mrs. Collins had provided this distraction for her on purpose, but she’d grab hold of it and run.

Stacey rested a palm on Skylar’s shoulder, uncertainty clear in her blue eyes. “Do you want to stay in here with your new friends or come with Mommy to look at clothes?”

Skylar rolled her eyes with all the sass of a teenager. “I’ll stay with my friends, Mommy.”

Stacey hesitated, her hand still on her daughter.

“The room with the clothes isn’t far,” Elsie said. “On this floor, practically on the other side of the kitchen. We’ll probably hear the kid’s giggles from there.” She waited to make a move for the door, not wanting to put any pressure on Stacey to leave her child’s side.

Inhaling a shaky breath, Stacy nodded and offered a timid smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.

“Great,” Elsie said with far more enthusiasm than she felt. “Jimmy, try not to eat too many cookies. Especially if you still want ice cream before we go home later.”

Jimmy took a giant gulp of milk then wiped his mouth with the back of his forearm. “There’s no such thing as too many cookies.”

Mrs. Collins cackled then dusted her hands on a dish rag. She grabbed the platter of goodies from the island and carried them to the table. “Don’t you worry, Elsie. I’ll make sure he’s okay.” She held Elsie’s eyes for a few beats, conveying everything she truly meant with a tender look and unspoken words.

Appreciation pressed on Elsie’s chest, and she turned away before her emotions took over. She had someone to help now. She could assist Stacey. Provide her with multiple options to help build her confidence as she stepped into a brave new world.

Dean endedhis call and went in search of Elsie. She’d want to know about his conversation with Sadie. Thank God for good friends in small towns. Sadie was under no obligation to divulge any information regarding Mila’s case, but she understood how much Mila meant to Elsie.

Understood that as a former policeman and current private investigator, Dean had plenty of useful skills that couldbe utilized. And would be, with or without the sheriff’s department’s permission.

The sweet smell of freshly baked cookies lured him into the kitchen. Mrs. Collins sat at the table like a proud mother hen with her flock of chicks surrounding her.

Jimmy reached for a cookie and stopped, hand in mid-air, when he noticed Dean in the doorway. “Hi Dean. Elsie said I could have some.”

The boy’s serious tone stifled his laugh. “You do what you need to do, my man. Where is Elsie?”

“She went into the store to help someone find an outfit,” Mrs. Collins said. “Go through the door behind the stairs on the left.”

He nodded his thanks and returned to the foyer. He passed the gleaming wood that zigzagged up three stories to the room Mrs. Collins indicated. The door was open, and he peeked inside. The space showcased Elsie’s eclectic taste and talent for creating something warm and inviting wherever she went.

Circular racks of clothes scattered around the room while shelves filled with personal hygiene products lined the walls. Framed photographs of the shelter, along with the woman who ran it—filled in empty spaces. Inspirational quotes in bright pops of colors rounded out the room.

Elsie sat on a stool behind a glass display counter that housed a mismatch of jewelry. A woman stood in front of her, her bright grin and armloads of clothes almost distracted him from the bruise on her face.

Almost.

“I don’t have much money,” he overheard the young woman say to Elsie. “But I can give you what I have.”

Elsie rummaged behind the counter for a canvas bag and took the clothes from the woman. She carefully folded each piece and placed them inside. “Not necessary. All of the stuff in here is free for the people who stay at the shelter. I’m just happy youfound some wonderful things for you and Skylar. This blouse and skirt will be perfect for your interview.”

“Thank you so much.”

The tears in the woman’s voice fisted his heart. So much gratitude for a few articles of clothing. Sometimes he forgot how blessed he really was.

Securing the bag, the woman turned his way, and her eyes flew wide. Her hand shot up too her throat and she glanced back at Elsie.

She flashed a kind smile. “Stacey, this is my friend Dean. Dean, this is Stacey. She’s staying here for a few nights.”

The fear in her eyes made his blood boil. Sensing nothing he said would put her at ease, he dipped his chin and kept quiet.

“I need to get back to Skylar. Thanks again,” Stacey said, but the excitement of a few moments ago had vanished.

He stepped out of the doorway to give her a wide berth as she rushed from the room.

Elsie sighed. “I’ll never get over seeing fear creep back into women’s eyes. She was so excited then she sees a big, handsome man and BAM…she’s scared to death. I hope she gets the help she needs for her and her daughter.”

---