Seth and Emma met 10 days ago.

ENDING OF PREVIOUS POST:

"I'll tell Mom." Emma went to another table and refilled their coffee cups, before she returned to Seth's. "If you need more aloe, you know where to find me."

"I'll probably come by tonight."

Nodding, Emma said, "Sounds good."

Before Seth left the bakery/bookstore, he walked up to Emma. "I keep forgetting to ask. Do you have a final count for the kids attending the reading program? I'm worried about the sidewalk and safety."

"Not yet, they're still signing up. I should have it by tomorrow afternoon."

"As soon as you get it, let me know."

"I will." Emma watched him leave.


TODAY'S POST

Chapter 10 B

It was almost eight o'clock when Seth left the police station and noticed Emma's car parked in the bakery/bookstore parking lot. That's strange. She's normally home by six.

As he jogged across the street, he noticed Carl heading toward his cruiser and went to him. "My gut says there's a problem at the bakery. Emma shouldn't still be here. Go through the alley to the backdoor. Ray Hudson works back there and closes." He motioned to Ace. "Go with Carl."

Before Seth opened the front door, he peeked through the window. One man with a knife on Emma. There's probably two or Ray would be with her. He un-holstered his weapon, then replaced it. If I go in wielding a gun, he may use the knife.

He stood at the door. There's no way to be discreet. Seth exhaled and then walked in. "Ms. Winters, it's been a long day. I really need a cup of coffee."

The tall slender man glared at Seth and attempted to hide the knife behind Emma. "They're closed. Leave."

Slowly Seth walked forward, making sure his hands were fully visible. "Don't want any trouble. Ms. Winters is standing beside the coffee pot. The light's still on. All I want is a cup of coffee. It can be to-go."

The man moved the knife to Emma's neck. "Don't come any closer."

Seth swallowed. "Nobody needs to get hurt."

Another man forced Ray from the back at gun point. "He's the only one in back." He stopped and glared at Seth.

The man's knife pricked Emma's neck. "Where's the safe?"

She flinched. "We don't have one. Dad deposits the money every night. Overnight we only keep $25.00 in the cash register. I'll give it to you."

He aimed the knife at her heart/lung area. "You're lying."

Ray shouted, "She's not! Mr. Winters makes nightly deposits!"

A quick glance in Ray's direction, and Seth noticed Carl ready. Ace crouched and waited for the attack command, with his eyes focused on the man with Emma.

The man shoved Emma. "Open the cash register." She did. While he searched the contents, he slightly moved the knife.

Seth nodded to Carl and gave Ace a hand signal.

Synchronized, Carl shoved his gun in the man's back as Ace jumped on the knife wielding man attacking his arm and knocking him to the floor.

Carl yelled, "Hands up!"

Ray hit the floor.

Rushing to the man who held Emma Seth called off Ace and put handcuffs on him. Carl did the same with the other man. Ace went to Emma and sat. She knelt, put her arms around the large dog's neck and cried into his fur.

After Seth forced the man to his feet, he asked, "Emma, Ms. Winters, you hurt? Can I check your neck? It's bleeding." When she didn't answer, he called for officers to remove the prisoners. He watched tears streaming down her cheeks. She remained on the floor cuddling Ace.

"Carl, get Ray's statement."

"When I'm done, you want me to get Emma's?"

Seth shook his head. "No. I'll get it in the morning."

"Chief?"

"I said in the morning." Seth walked away. She needs comforting. He watched Emma. "I'm calling Keith."

It didn't take long before Keith arrived. As he entered, he asked, "Emma?"

Seth pointed to the floor where she continued to hug Ace and cry.

Keith stood beside her. "Sweetheart, are you all right?"

"Daddy!" She stood and went into her dad's arms. "No."

He led her to his office and closed the door.

Carl put his hand on Seth's shoulder. "We've been in dangerous situations before. You've got nerves of steel. I've never seen you shaken. These two are amateurs. Why'd it get to you?" He paused a moment. "Because Emma's involved."

Seth walked away and then watched the prisoners as they were escorted from the building.

*****
Almost thirty minutes later, Keith opened the office door. "Seth, is it all right if Emma goes home?"

"Yes, I'll get her statement in the morning."

"Good. I'm taking her with me. We'll leave her car here."

Emma shook her head. "No, Dad. I'm going to my home. I'm fine."

Keith and Seth's eyes met. Seth exhaled and then nodded.

"If you're sure." Keith hugged her and walked away. "I'll check the back door."

Seth followed and whispered, "Keith, I'll take her home and keep an eye on her."

"Thank you. She wants us to believe she's fine. She's not."

"You're right."

Keith grabbed a few items, put them in a sack, and handed it to Seth. "Dinner."

"Thank you."

*****
As Keith finished ensuring everything was shut down, Seth said, "Ms. Winters, are you ready to leave?"

"Yes." At the door, she turned and stared at the area where she'd been held captive.

Both Keith and Seth watched.

She exhaled. "I'm ready."

"You're in no shape to drive. We'll take the cruiser."

"I can drive home."

"It's not up for discussion." Seth held the cruiser's passenger door.

"Do I have a choice?"

"Nope."

"Didn't think so." She climbed inside.

Seth shook his head. "Young'uns." He opened the door for Ace to jump in. She has a band-aid on the knife prick. I'm glad Keith took care of it. It appeared to be only surface. Is Carl right about this case getting to me? Naw!

*****
At Emma's house, Seth rushed to open her door. "I'll go inside with you. Ace can take out your fur ball."

"Thank you, but you don't need to." Her green eyes met his. "I don't have a choice, do I?"

He held up a sack. "Your dad provided dinner. After we eat, I'll leave."

"I'm not hungry."

"Try."

"You're bossy."

"You've mentioned that before." Once Seth was assured the house was safe, he opened the sack and offered Emma a sandwich.

She removed the wrapping. "I'm trying it."

"I noticed." He took a bite and set his down. "There are a few other things in here." He took out some homemade chips and cookies.

She glanced toward the refrigerator. "I'm sure the cookies would go good with ice cream."

"Cookies and ice cream don't qualify as dinner."

Taking the container from the freezer, she said, "Tonight they do. Are you joining me?"

Seth took another bite and then held up his sandwich. "After I finish this."

Emma dished up two bowls of ice cream and handed him one. She took a bite of hers. "I'll eat this first. If I'm hungry I'll try my sandwich."

He started to shake his head, but when he noticed she watched, he stopped.

After Emma almost finished half a sandwich, Seth stood. "I need to get home. I'll leave Ace."

"No, I'll be all right."

He lifted Molly and said, "Take care of your mom." As she wagged her entire body, he chuckled, "I take that as a yes." He set down the dog, checked the backdoor and garage door, and then his eyes met Emma's. "If you need anything, call."

"I will. Goodnight and I'll be sure to lock the front door."

"Night."

After Seth and Ace left, Emma secured the door and prepared for bed.

*****
Emma cuddled Molly, lay in bed, and jumped at every sound. Tears streamed down her cheeks. She took her phone and pressed Seth's number.

"Hello."

"Seth?"

"Is everything okay?" She used my first name.

Silence. "It's really dark."

"I'll sleep on your couch."

"No."

"Do you want me to send Ace?"

"No. I'm fine."

"Emma, if you were fine, you wouldn't have called."

"Sorry."

"Don't hang up." Seth hesitated. "Are you in bed?"

"Yes."

"Do you have a phone charger close?" After she answered, he continued, "Plug in your phone, lie down, and cover up. Put the phone on your pillow. I'll be here all night. All you need to do is say something."

"Thank you."

"Goodnight, Emma."

"Goodnight."

Emma fell asleep but tossed and turned. A few hours later she awoke shaking. "Seth?"

"I'm here."

"Thank you."


*****
Character List:

Police Chief Seth Carter - hero and Beaverton's Police Chief

Emma Winters - heroine and waitress at her parents' bakery and bookstore, but just graduated college with a teaching degree.

Carl Jones - Seth's good friend and right-hand man

Susan and Keith Winters - Emma's parents and owners of Winters' Family Bakery and Bookstore

Molly - Emma's almost four-pound Pomeranian

Ace - Seth's German shepherd, a trained K-9

Pastor Pat - Pastor of the Church and Emma's Godfather

Jake Baker - Seth's mentor and Winters' family friend

Ray Hudson - Works at the bakery

Peggy Barton - Emma knew her in high school, she's making a play for Seth