Page 12 of Bridge to Safety

Shiloh arched a brow. The man wore a wedding ring for heaven’s sake.

“How’s the day going?” He smiled at Shiloh.

“Great. I have a wonderful class, although I know the honeymoon period won’t last.” She’d forgotten chopsticks, so she forked a mouthful of noodles into her mouth.

“The gossip mill says you grew up here?”

She nodded. “I’m renovating my childhood home. I live across the bridge.” She waited for snarky remark. When none came, the chip on her shoulder shifted a bit. Maybe it wouldn’t be as tough to work here as she’d thought.

“Well, I’ve heard you had it rough back then.” The principal stood. “Welcome back. Your credentials are impeccable, and this school is lucky to have you.” With a nod in her direction, he headed out of the room.

Shiloh ducked her head and smiled, pretending to focus on her lunch. The man had nicely, but firmly, put any gossip between the fifth-grade teachers to a halt. She figured he’d do the same with the other grades.

“Are you dating Deputy Reynolds?” Melinda bit into a lunchroom burger.

“No, we’re just friends. I had a flat upon arriving in town, and he gave me a ride to the mechanic, the grocery store, then home.”

“Heard he’s been helping you with repairs.”

“Yes.” Good grief, it didn’t take the gossip mill long at all.

“Also heard he’s supposed to keep an eye on you because of Duke.” She slapped her palms on the table and pushed to her feet. “My cousin is too smart to chase after the likes of you again.” Nose in the air, she strode in the direction Mr. White had gone.

Shiloh shared a shocked look with Susan.

“Hurt people hurt others. There’s a sad story there, I think,” Susan said.

~

Rowan stopped at the home of Deacon Jones while cruising around town. There was no better contractor in town, and the man wouldn’t make any unwelcome advances toward Shiloh. No, he’d be quick and efficient at working on any job she needed to be done.

The man sat on the porch, an unlit pipe between his teeth. “Sure, I’ll help the girl. That old house can be fixed up real nice,” he said after Rowan asked if he could help. “It’s got good bones.”

“I’ll let her know. When can you stop by?”

“This evening after supper, so about six.”

Rowan offered the man a handshake, which he reciprocated. “Thanks.”

Back in his car, he drove to the school. As school-resource officer, he stopped by once a day whether they needed him or not, usually eating lunch with Rachel. He wasn’t surprised to find Shiloh in the teacher’s lounge. “How’s it going?”

“Good.” She grinned up at him. “You?”

“Here to have lunch with Rachel. How are you, Susan?”

“Can’t complain, Deputy.”

“Richard finally got on one knee, huh?” He flashed a grin, then headed for the cafeteria.

Shiloh fell into step beside him. “I have to pick up my students. They’ll be finished with recess by now.”

“No trouble today?”

“None.”

“A man by the name of Deacon Jones will be stopping by around six for you to show him what needs fixing around the place. He’s a solid, trustworthy man. Well-respected in town.”

“Thank you.” Outside, she headed toward the playground while he entered the cafeteria. The noise slapped him in the face. He never could understand why the students weren’t made to keep the decibel level down to a healthy rate.

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