ENDING OF PREVIOUS POST:

The winds died, and Emma exhaled. "Is it over?"

"Not sure." Seth flipped on the flashlight, grabbed the NOAA radio, and listened. After the report was given, he said, "I want you to stay here, until," he pointed, "this red light on the radio goes off."

"Where you going?" interrupted Emma.

"To check the town and see if anybody needs help. After that light goes off, it should be safe for you to go upstairs, but don't go outside. Help yourself to whatever you need. I'll return as soon as possible." He studied Ace. "I want to leave him, but I might need his services."

"I understand. I'll be okay."

Seth made a group call. "I hope you and your families are safe. We need to get going. Tony, man the phones. Those of you who walk the beat check stores and residences. The rest hit the streets. Assist wherever you're needed. Be cautious of downed wires and trees. When you see them, notify Tony. He'll contact the correct agency. I'm on my way."

"Chief Carter, please be safe."

He nodded, "I will," and left the shelter.


TODAY'S POST

Chapter 7 A

Seth arrived home just before predawn lit the Friday morning sky and found Emma curled up on the couch with Molly in her arms, both asleep. Why didn't she use the spare bedroom? He grabbed a blanket and covered her.

Ace sniffed her and wagged his tail. Seth grinned. "You like her, don't you?" He petted the large dog's head. So do I, buddy, so do I.

On the way to his bedroom, he moved aside the curtain and glanced out the front window. He noticed the burgundy Crown Victoria on the road and muttered under his breath, "I need to find out who that guy is and fast." He stared out the window until the car left and then went to bed.

*****
A few hours later, Seth stood in his bedroom's doorway wearing sweatpants and a T-shirt. "Is that coffee I smell?"

Emma faced him. "It is. Your kitchen's well stocked."

"I like to eat."

"I hope you don't mind but I have breakfast almost ready." She sipped her cup of coffee.

He studied her before he stepped closer. "The lack of sparkle in your eyes tells me there's something on your mind. After I pour myself some coffee, we'll talk."

"Go ahead and get ready for the day. We can talk while we eat."

"Sure?"

"Yes." She watched him close his bedroom door.

A little later Seth returned, in blue jeans and a T-shirt.

Emma handed him a cup of coffee. "I hope you don't mind but earlier I showered."

"I told you to make yourself at home. Why'd you sleep on the couch and not in the spare bedroom?"

"Thank you for offering, but it didn't seem right." When Seth's eyebrows rose, she continued, "I've slept here two nights in a row."

"Circumstances have been such that..."

"No matter what's going on tonight I'm sleeping in my own bed," interrupted Emma.

"Understood. I take it that's what you wanted to talk about." Emma nodded, and then Seth scanned the kitchen. "I'm starving. How close is breakfast?"

"I hope you like sausage, scrambled eggs, and pancakes," she said, setting the plate in front of him.

He said, "It looks good." He smothered the pancakes with maple syrup and took a bite. "It is. Thank you." After a few more bites, he said, "I'm on call. The town's basically closed. When we're finished, I'll clean up the downed tree branches in both our yards. Sometime this morning, the supplies for your fence will be delivered. Can we store them in your garage?"

"Yes. I'll help with the branch cleanup." Her phone sounded. "It's a text from Mom. The bakery's good." When he nodded, she added, "You already knew it, didn't you?"

"I did."

"Thank you."

Seth grinned. "Quit thanking me."

"You've been very generous and helpful. I want you to know I'm appreciative."

"Your sparkling green eyes let me know." He walked away from the table and answered his phone. After he hung up, he said, "The lumber and supplies will be here in about twenty minutes. Can you be ready?"

Picking up plates, she turned toward the kitchen. "Yes. As soon as I get this cleaned up, I'm ready." She hesitated. "I thought you said the town was closed for the day."

"It is, but Hank said he'd go ahead and deliver this so we can get started on it tomorrow."

"That's kind of him."

They worked together and made fast work of the dishes. Before they left, Seth went to a drawer and removed his house key. "In case you need it. You're welcome anytime."

"Are you sure?" After he nodded, she said, "Thank you." As Seth shook his head, she said, "You're doing it again."

"Get used to it. Around you it's going to happen often."

*****
At Emma's front door, she smiled as Ace herded Molly to her. "Thank you, Ace."

She unlocked the door as Seth said, "Now you're even thanking my dog."

"I appreciate his help." Her eyes met his. "No head shaking."

"That's impossible." His head turned when he heard a truck drive in. "The lumber's here. Can you move your car?"

She headed toward the garage. "Sure."

As Emma helped carry the first load of lumber, Seth took Hank, the truck driver, aside, pulled the sketch from his pocket, and asked, "Was this man inside that Crown Vic?"

Hank studied it. "Chief, its close, but I couldn't swear to it. I only saw the side of his face."

"Thank you. If you get a better look when you leave, let me know."

He nodded. "Sure will."

It didn't take long for the supplies to be unloaded.

Emma put her hands on her hips, studied the supplies, and teased, "Do you think this is enough?"

"Think we need more?"

"I think there's too much."

"No way." Seth turned toward the driveway. "I'll walk around and see if there's any roof damage, then pick up the downed branches." He answered his ringing phone. After he listened, he said, "Okay, thanks, Hank."

"Isn't Hank the man who delivered this stuff?"

"He is. He checked something for me." Seth headed to the front of the house. He's left. He knows I'm watching.

Emma followed. "Do you mind if I come?"

"No." He waited for Emma to catch up. "You can let the fur ball down. Ace will make sure she stays close."

Setting the dog on the ground, Emma said, "She does have a name, Molly."

"I know. I'm not convinced there's a dog under all that fur," teased Seth. He focused on the roof as he walked the perimeter. "It looks pretty good." He pointed at an area. "See that spot?" After Emma nodded, he continued, "We'll keep an eye on it. Another big wind could further loosen the shingles. When I get out the ladder, I'll take a closer look." She started to say something, but he said, "Don't thank me. It's what landlords do."

"Not all."

"How about landlords who try to do the right thing?" When her eyes sparkled, he shook his head. He bent and picked up a large branch. "Now for the tedious work."

Emma picked up some branches. "Where do you want them?"

Seth surveyed the area and then walked to a clear space between both houses. "How about here? It's easily assessible for both places."

She carried limbs and set them down. "Here?" When he nodded, she asked, "Your place or mine?"

"We already started at yours. Let's finish here."

As they picked-up the fallen limbs, Emma stopped and stared at the flower seeds she'd planted.

Seth came up beside her and teased, "I thought we were cleaning up branches not studying bare patches of dirt."

"I'm encouraging these seeds to sprout." When he started to shake his head, Emma said, "If I can't thank you, you can't shake your head."

Chuckling, Seth said, "I guess it's only fair." He hesitated, before he continued, "I never met somebody who talked to plants."

"They also like music."

He stepped behind her and shook his head. "I think we're finished. Let's walk toward my place."

"Don't think I didn't see you shake your head."

"It had to be your imagination." Seth grinned.


*****
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 - High School friend, has her eyes on Seth