Page 68 of Cold Threat

Beth’s small, forced smile turned genuine. “I am. I really am. You know, I realize some people do incredible things. Become Bible teachers, evangelists, missionaries. Lead thousands of people to Christ. I’m sure God will reward them greatly when we stand before Him. Maybe all I can show for my life is my children, but they’ve impacted lives. Someday their children will do the same.” She cleared her throat, obviously moved. “I think good mothers quietly change the world. They may not receive any fanfare, but God sees them. He knows. And that’s what really matters, isn’t it?”

River found her own eyes filling with tears. Boy, ever since she’d regained the ability to cry, it was as if she couldn’t stop.

“Oh, honey, I didn’t mean to make you weepy. Tell me what you’re feeling.”

River cleared her throat. “I ... I want children, I’ve just never found the time. I guess I’m afraid I’ve waited too long. Made my job too important.” She laughed lightly. “Don’t tell Tony I said that. He wouldn’t believe it. I told him I didn’t think marriage was for me.”

River had never told anyone about her desire to have children. She’d been so proud of her job with the FBI that it had become her identity. The idea of doing something so unimportant ... so pedestrian ... had been almost forgotten. Beth’s words had struck something deep inside her.

Beth got up, came over, and put her arms around River. Although the gesture embarrassed her, she felt comforted and safe in Beth’s arms. She was wiping away tears from her cheeks when Tony walked into the room. He looked at them both in surprise.

“Gee whiz, Mom. What did you do to River?”

His startled expression made them both laugh. River shook her head.

“This ham sandwich is just so good,” she said, sputtering between giggles. That made them both laugh harder. This time River’s tears weren’t from sadness. She finally stopped laughing and smiled at Beth. She mouthedthank you, and Beth nodded.

Tony got a glass from the cabinet and then filled his glass with iced tea from the fridge.

“I swear, I never know what’s going on in this house,” he mumbled.

“It’s really not that strange,” Beth said, trying to sound innocent. “We were talking about you, and it made us both cry.”

“With happiness, I hope,” he said, sitting down at the table.

Beth nodded. “Of course, dear,” she said. “If that’s what you need to hear.”

He shook his head. “I give up. Are you about ready to go?” he asked River.

“Just about.”

While Tony and Beth talked about the latest weather report, River finished her sandwich. But the whole time, her eyes kept drifting toward Tony, although she couldn’t really understand why.

CHAPTER

THIRTY-NINE

The receptionist at Able House led Tony and River to an office down a short hallway. The agency wasn’t very large, but Tony was pretty sure they handled a lot of cases. How could they possibly keep up with everything? The Salvation Army also did some foster care work in the area, but they were probably spread thin too.

The receptionist stopped and knocked on the door to one of the offices. A sign on the door readDonnie Schweizer—Foster Care Social Worker.

“Come in,” a voice called out.

She opened the door and smiled at the dark-haired man sitting behind a desk, two piles of files stacked on top. He smiled, stood up, and extended his hand, first to Tony, then to River.

“Donnie Schweizer,” he said.

“I’m Tony St. Clair, and this is River Ryland.”

He had a strong, firm handshake, a sign of confidence. He gestured toward the chairs in front of his desk. “Please sit down.”

“We appreciate you seeing us,” River said, “especially since we’re not with the police.”

“Not a problem, although I’m sure you know I can’t discussanything confidential with you,” Donnie said. His dark brown eyes fastened on Tony. “You’re Ray’s son?”

Tony nodded.

“I’ve worked with him several times. Unfortunately, sometimes the children that pass through the system end up in trouble.” He sighed. “The system isn’t perfect. There are simply too many problems for all of us to handle. And not just with the children. Sometimes it’s the foster parents.” He frowned at them. “Ray told me you’re private investigators?”

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