Harmony Cabins (Finding Home 2)

“You’re quoting the public’s right to know, but you’re the only one asking. Tell me, does your curiosity have anything to do with the fact that Dr. Harris is an attractive woman?”

“I hadn’t noticed.” Darius struggled to hold Alonzo’s gaze as the sheriff silently laughed at him.

“Mmm-hmm.”

“You might as well tell me, Alonzo. Otherwise, I’m sure I’ll find something on the Internet.”

Alonzo’s amusement disappeared. “I’d rather you didn’t do that, Darius. This young woman has a right to her privacy. She’s not hurting anyone. She’s not a danger to anyone.”

“I won’t publish anything. I just want to know.”

Alonzo gave him a long, silent look. “How would you feel if you were in her position?”

“I don’t know what her position is.”

“A lot of people in Trinity Falls are curious about the person you go to visit almost every weekend over in Sequoia.” Alonzo cocked his head. “How would you feel if one of them started digging into your personal life?”

Darius’s muscles strained with the effort to appear relaxed. “Your point is taken.”

“I hope so.” Alonzo stood. “I’d hate to have to execute the restraining order Dr. Harris requested.”

Darius’s eyes widened. “Restraining order?”

“I told her you were a sensible person and that I could reason with you. I’m glad you didn’t make me a liar.”

“Thanks, Sheriff.” Darius couldn’t believe his request for an interview would be cause for a restraining order.

“Don’t mention it.” Alonzo paused in the entrance of Darius’s cubicle. “You know, Darius, you can always channel your extra energy toward convincing your father to pull out of the mayoral campaign.”

Darius swung his chair to face the sheriff. “I’ve tried. He won’t listen.”

“Then maybe there’s someone else he’d be willing to listen to.”

Darius had realized long ago that the sheriff’s easygoing manner and calm eyes masked a sharp intelligence. Dread settled on his shoulders. “Why do I have the feeling you’ve been checking into the person I visit in Sequoia?”

Alonzo settled his felt hat on his head. “Pure speculation. I’ve known your father for a long time, and I know you’re not like him.” The sheriff nodded before he disappeared.

Darius hoped Alonzo was right. He tried hard not to be anything like Simon Knight. He turned back to his desk and his gaze fell on his telephone. He lifted the receiver and dialed her phone number from memory before he had time to consider his actions. The call connected on the second ring.

“It’s Darius. I need to see you tonight. I think it’s time the three of us spoke with my father.”

Doreen unlocked her front door and preceded Alonzo into her home Thursday afternoon.

“Thanks for your help with my groceries, Alonzo. Imagine running into you at the store.” She locked the door behind him, then led him into her kitchen. Doreen lifted her bag onto the kitchen counter.

Alonzo set his two bags on the table. “Doreen, I have a confession.”

“Mmm. What’s that?” She started unpacking her groceries.

Alonzo hesitated. “I didn’t bump into you at the store by accident. I know you usually go shopping after work on Thursdays.”

Doreen turned from the bags to face him. A smile trembled on her lips. “In that case, I have a confession, too.”

“What?”

“I didn’t need all of these groceries. I just wanted you to help me with them and drive me home.”

A slow smile eased the worry from Alonzo’s proud features. “Really?”