He dropped his head back and reached for her hand. “I wish the hell I knew.”
Charlene reached for the photo of Amber. “Where do you suppose she got this?” She turned the photo over. “It’s an official school picture, see the stamp?” She held it out for Marla.
She took it. “That’s the same photographer who’s been taking school photos in Spring Grove since we were kids. It probably wouldn’t be too hard to get one from his studio. All she’d have to do is say she’s Amber’s mother and needed another copy.” She squeezed Dwayne’s hand.
“Shit, shit, shit! Why did she have to surface after all these years?”
Charlene stood and gathered her jacket and purse. “I better go, it’s really late. Marla, please call me tomorrow after Dwayne talks to his lawyer.”
He pulled himself up. “You’re not going anywhere until I check the street. If she and the jailbird are hanging around, you stay here tonight. They don’t need to know where you live.” He turned to Marla. “Got a flashlight?”
“Yes, several. I’ll get one for you.” She went to the kitchen, opened the utility closet, and removed a large flashlight from a holder on the wall next to her vacuum cleaner.
“Sheesh, this thing’s a weapon.”
“I hope you don’t have to use it. Be careful. Should I call the sheriff?”
“No, She’s long gone by now. But I need to make sure. Sit tight. Both of you.”
Chapter Twenty-One
I suspect Mrs. Henry is attempting to intimidate you. Her lawyer is a shyster, and he’s probably giving her ideas on how to get access to your daughter by going around the law. As I said before, she has no standing. If this ever got as far as a judge, she’d be thrown out of court.”
Dwayne fidgeted with his keys. “How do I get rid of her?”
“As long as she doesn’t break the law, I’m afraid all you can do is wait for her to tire of the game.”
Dwayne shifted in the hard chair. “Amber’s safely out of the state with my mother in Wyoming. Francine’s from there. That’s where we met and married. If she’s sneaking around here trying to find my daughter, she may figure out that Mom’s ranch is the most likely place I’d send her.”
Anger burned in his chest at the audacity of Francine showing up after all these years, demanding access to the child she never wanted and couldn’t desert fast enough. What in hell did she want from him? He didn’t believe for a New York minute that she cared a damn about Amber.
The lawyer’s voice interrupted his thoughts. “I’ll send a strong letter to her attorney today, telling him to advise her to desist, or you’ll file charges against her for stalking and harassment. If there are any other incidents, tell me immediately.”
“You think that’ll work?”
“One never knows, but the courts take very seriously any misbehavior affecting minors. Let’s give it a few days and see what happens.” He stood and extended his arm across the desk.
Dwayne shook his hand and left the office. He returned to Marla’s jobsite to help Jack secure the trailer so it could be hauled off the lot this afternoon. He’d keep it at his facility until the new site had a fence constructed around it. An empty trailer on a vacant lot was an invitation for mischief.
He checked the screen of his phone when the Marine Hymn sounded off. “Hello, woman of mine.” Nearly sunset, he’d just pulled into his driveway. “You miss me as much as I miss you?”
“More, Dempsey.”
“Not possible, Danaher.”
“How did it go with your attorney today?”
“I was about to call you to see if we could go for dinner, and I’d fill you in.” He dug in his pocket for the house key and unlocked his front door.
“Um, my parents just called. They’d like us to come over to their place for dinner tonight. Is that okay with you? I’m afraid my dad is going to give you the ‘What are your intentions with my daughter’ speech. So embarrassing.”
He laughed. “He must have given it a dozen times with Charlene’s lovers.”
“I doubt it. Char would laugh her head off if Dad ever attempted it.”
“I’ve got to shower and change. What time do they want us there?”
“Why don’t you bring a change of clothes and shower here? I want you to come home with me after dinner tonight.” She paused. “Do I really sound that needy?”
“As long as it’s me you need, no problem, Red. I’m on my way. Do we have time for a quickie?”
“No, but we’ll have all night to make up for it. I bought a copy of the Kama Sutra at Books-A-Million today. It’s full of very intriguing pictures. Things I never imagined possible. I’ve got some wicked ideas I’m itching to try.”
“You’re killing me.” He pressed down on his raging hard-on and grabbed his gym bag from the closet. “We may never make it to your parent’s house at this rate.”
“I’ll sic Skipper on you if you try anything.”
“That’s a terrifying thought. I’m on my way.”
He’d barely scratched the surface with this woman. Every day she said or did something that caught him off guard. Wow, maybe he’d have to take up drinking after all.
He knocked on her front door. She opened it a crack and peeked out. “Yes?”
“Is the lady of the house home? I have some free samples she requested.” He winked.
“Oh, please come in.” She stepped behind the door and pulled it open. He couldn’t see her until she closed it.
“Sweet Jesus, Marla.”
She wore panties and bra, thigh-high nylons and high heels. “You can leave the samples in the bedroom. The lady of the house will be out this evening. I’m sure she’ll want to try them as soon as she returns.”
He stood with his mouth hanging open as she walked down the hallway, hips swaying, Skipper trotting alongside.
He caught her and threw his arms around her waist. “Oh,
