Page 41 of Heart of a Hero

Thankfully, Lizzie went with Forrest. “Is Daddy in trouble?”

“No. He’s helping the police. It’s going to be okay,” Forrest told Lizzie as they went into the kitchen.

Conrad felt some of the tension release inside his gut. “I don’t know if he had a weapon. I didn’t see one, but he kept his hand in his pocket, so it was possible. Lester was fired from his job a week or so ago. He wasn’t doing the work and broke into one of the servers. So they let him go, and he blames me because I got the promotion he wanted.” Now that Conrad had started, he let everything out. “His daughter is in my daughter’s class, and this is a small town, so I know there were issues between him and his ex-wife.”

The officer, a man of middle height and weight who said his name was Carter, nodded slowly. “Yes. We are aware of his family situation. Did he give you any indication of where he might be staying or what his plans were?”

“No, I’m sorry. All I could think about was keeping Lizzie safe, and I’m grateful you got here when you did.” He didn’t know what else to tell them, but he answered all their questions and then saw the officers to the door. “Please let me know when you find him.”

“We will,” Carter told him before leaving. Conrad closed the door and breathed a sigh of relief. Everyone is okay. He kept telling himself that as he joined Lizzie and Forrest.

“Is that really Bethany’s daddy?” Lizzie asked and made a face. “He seemed mean.”

“I think he needs help,” Conrad told her.

“Does this mean I can’t be Bethany’s friend?” Lizzie asked.

Conrad knelt down. “It means that she needs friends, so you should be one. Okay? She isn’t responsible for how her daddy acts. So definitely be her friend.” He hugged her, and Lizzie seemed happy enough. She seemed to be bouncing back from what happened a lot quicker than Conrad was.

“Hey, it’s okay,” Forrest told him, then hugged him tightly. “You kept him talking until help arrived. That was what you needed to do. Lizzie wasn’t hurt, and I know you were scared, but you didn’t look it. You were fierce, and the police will catch him. Then all of this will be over.”

“Will it? There will be talk all around the school because of him and what he said. People will be talking about you and….” His feelings were such a jumble right now that he wasn’t sure about much of anything. Forrest just held him, and they stood together without talking, which was exactly what Conrad needed.

“Daddy, Mr. Scoville is hugging you.” Lizzie stood back.

“I know. It’s okay. I just needed a hug.” He knelt, and she hugged him too. “See, I feel better already.” He stood back up and stared around the room.

“How about I order a pizza for dinner?” Forrest offered. Lizzie was thrilled, and Conrad was grateful he didn’t have to get his head around cooking. He nodded, and Forrest placed the order.

Conrad didn’t want to make too much of what happened for Lizzie’s sake, but he felt like his legs had been kicked out from under him, and it only got worse when his mom rushed in the back door. “I saw that the police left. Are you okay? Did he hurt any of you?”

“Have a seat, Mom.” Conrad opened one of the high cupboards and pulled out a bottle of whiskey and a couple of glasses. “We’re all okay, if a little shaken. Forrest arrived in time, and the police came just after.” He poured a finger of the amber liquid and downed it in a gulp. The fire burned to his stomach and then warmth bloomed through him.

Forrest took the glass and put it on the table before taking his hand. “Everyone is okay. It’s just been a little difficult. But it’s okay.” He was so steady and calm, and that helped Conrad a great deal.

“We ordered pizza if you want some,” Conrad said.

“No, I’m fine.” She seemed calmer. “I just wanted to make sure you were okay.”

Conrad hugged her. “You did good, Mom. You got the police here, and that helped a lot.” He didn’t release her for a while. “I think we’re going to have dinner in the living room, watch TV, and try not to think too much about all this.”

“As long as you’re okay.” She stepped back and patted his cheek. “I’m going back home to try to rest.” She smiled, and after giving Lizzie a hug she left, and Conrad just stood there, staring at the wall without even realizing it. His thoughts gradually settled on Forrest and what he meant. Conrad loved how strong he was, and yet how gentle and calm. Forrest was big, and he was also kind and soft-spoken. That made it easy for Conrad to forget his size and just see into his heart.

“What is it?” Forrest asked.

Conrad turned to him, realizing he had been looking at a crack in the plaster and smiled. “Just thinking.”

“About what?” Forrest asked.

“You. And how you make me feel,” Conrad said, swallowing hard. He knew he was reacting like an angsty teenager, but he was nervous. What if he said something and Forrest wasn’t ready? It was so easy to just put your cards out there, but then what if it wasn’t reciprocated?

“And what is that?” He drew closer. “What is it you want to tell me?”

“Daddy!” Lizzie ran in, clutching his legs. “I’m really hungry.”

“The pizza will be here soon, I promise. If I get the plates and things, will you put them on the coffee table?” It seemed he had a reprieve for the moment while he got the plates and napkins. He handed them to Lizzie, who carried them to the living room. Then he handed her forks and glasses. Just about anything to keep her busy until the doorbell rang.

“Pizza!” Lizzie flopped the silverware on the table and raced to the door. Conrad got there first and checked that it was the delivery guy. He took the pizza and thanked him, offering a few more dollars as a tip. Lizzie was already seated back at the table with her plate in front of her. Conrad put a slice on her plate and set the rest of it on the table.