Page 39 of Professor Next Door

22. Tara

“Has Galen answered his phone yet?” John came back in from the back porch, the smell of charcoal burning on the grill making my tummy rumble.

“No, not yet. I didn’t think he’d be gone this long. I’m going to call his lawyer and tell him what I’ve learned, then I’ll try Galen again.” I picked up the phone and went into the living room to see Amanda playing with Rikki.

I’d spent the day entertaining Rikki, waiting for her father to come home. He spent most of his weekdays at work so she didn’t notice that he was gone. If he didn’t come home soon she’d notice and start asking questions. I hoped he came home before that started.

I watched her as I waited for the lawyer to pick up the line. She was one of the reasons I wanted it all to be over. She deserved a life with her dad, a life where she knew she was loved. I wanted to be a part of that love-fest as well. I loved Rikki and I loved her daddy. I wanted to fight for them both.

I heard Bill’s voice on the other end of the line and an image of the sophisticated, yet oh so southern gentleman popped into my head. He really was the typical southern lawyer.

“Tara, what can I do for you, honey?”

“I had an idea and can’t get hold of Galen, so thought I’d best call you.” I gave him back my sweetest southern girl drawl, all but fluttering my eyelashes. I thought the news could free Galen, even if it didn’t explain the affair that Sarah woman had made claims about.

She was lying; I just knew it in my heart. Galen had sworn that he hadn’t been having an affair when Kayla was pregnant and not when she’d died. I believed him.

“Is Galen at work?” Bill sounded puzzled.

“No, he took some time off. He went out for a drive, and he’s not come back yet.”

“What? Where did he go? Why isn’t he at home?” It sounded as if Bill was searching for something on his desk before he came back on the line. “Tara, how long has he been gone?”

“A couple of hours? It’s been a while.”

“He wasn’t supposed to leave town. We have to find him.”

“Well, he could be at work or at a bar, I doubt he’s left town!” He was panicking me, making me afraid I’d created more trouble for my husband.

“You could be right but we have to find him. If you hear from him let me know.” Bill hung up, even as I protested, the reason for my call unspoken.

“Damn!” I whispered to myself as I went into the kitchen to vent my anger out of Rikki’s view. What had I just done? Where was Galen? I needed him.

I was on the verge of tears when the doorbell rang, and Rikki screeched at the unusual sound. Most of us knocked on the door. I sent her a soothing shush as I went to answer the caller.

I was still looking back at her as she started to do a dance on the floor, her moment of fear forgotten.

“I’m sorry, what can I...” I trailed off, the world becoming a tiny pinpoint as I saw who was at the door.