False Pretenses - Kathy Herman [73]
Zoe perked up. This might not be so bad.
Ethan stood and brushed his hands together. “I stopped at Crawfish Corner and got that Styrofoam ice chest and filled it with bottled water, orange juice, smoked turkey, and cheese. There’s bread, peanut butter and jelly, cereal bars, pretzels, and chips in the sacks. Also trash bags, paper towels, plastic utensils, and a package of moisturizing cloths to sponge off with. I know it’s hot in here, and there’s no running water. Hopefully the fan will help. Did I forget anything?”
“Are you kidding?” Pierce said. “I can’t believe you went to all this trouble to make us comfortable. Write down what we owe you, and I’ll pay you as soon as we get back.”
“Just talk to the sheriff and stay safe.” Ethan gave Pierce a pat on the back. “That’ll be payment enough. Remember not to go in the front part of the house with flashlights. The sheriff is having a patrol come by a few times a night. He can’t see the light on back here. If he sees light, he’ll call for backup and investigate, and you’ll be anything but under the radar.”
Zoe eyes clouded over. Did she deserve their kindness? Would anyone else they knew have taken this kind of risk to help them? “I-I’m so sorry for creating this mess.”
Vanessa put her index finger to her lips. “We’ve already determined who is Lord of our messes. No more apologies.”
“It’s probably a little scary being out here by yourselves,” Ethan said, “especially after the incident with the ‘candy man’ in the house and the lynching on the property next door. But the outside door to the secret tunnel has been nailed shut. You’re safe here. If I didn’t feel sure of it, I’d never suggest it. But just so you don’t feel defenseless … I left my Louisville Slugger behind the door.”
Pierce shot him a knowing look. “Thanks, man.”
Zoe reached in her pocket and felt the can of pepper spray.
“If the sheriff wants you to stay in hiding while he looks for Shapiro,” Vanessa said, “we can borrow the van and bring you more supplies. But there should be enough for several days. Shapiro doesn’t know about this place. It’s probably the safest place you could be.”
Ethan glanced at his watch. “I hate to run, but I promised to get the van back by five. It was generous of Pastor Auger to let us borrow it. Vanessa and I have gone to his church several times, but we’re not officially members yet.”
“What did you tell him?” Zoe asked.
“Just that we had some friends who were in a little trouble and needed to move some things this afternoon—which wasn’t a lie. He didn’t push me for details.” Ethan patted Pierce on the back and shook hands with him. “Remember, unless it’s an emergency, don’t call us on our cell phones or our home phone. Vanessa and I will call you from a pay phone and check in.”
Vanessa put her arms around Zoe and whispered, “Don’t be scared. God is right here with you. Even if Pierce shuts you out, God won’t.”
Jude keyed in the auto-dial number for Colette’s cell phone. Had she seen his news conference with the media? Was she aware of the escalating situation? The phone rang only once.
“There you are,” Colette Prejean said. “I was hoping you’d call. What a messy situation you’ve got going on.”
“So much for a relaxing Sunday at home.”
“Saul wants to know how Deshawn Macey’s doing.”
“Still critical,” Jude said. “But holding his own.”
“Saul said he’s a good kid. Why was he mixed up in all that?”
“From what we can determine, he was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Have you been watching the news?”
“Actually I have. CNN did a short sound bite of you talking to the media. I was so proud of you. You sounded professional. Calm. Articulate. Certainly not the stereotype of the southern sheriff.”
“My Cajun accent wasn’t too much?”
“I can’t say fuh shore.” She laughed. “The news anchor didn’t seem to have