Seth and Emma met 11 days ago.

ENDING OF PREVIOUS POST:

After they entered the bakery/bookstore, Emma said, "Just a minute." She got a large coffee to go and handed it to Seth. "I know you're busy."

Grinning, he accepted it. "Thank you, but it wasn't necessary."

"I know." She stared out the front window at Ace waiting. "I need to start bringing in doggie treats."

"You're spoiling him rotten." Seth shook his head as he started out the door but turned. "Don't forget to let me know the number of kids expected tomorrow."

"I'll know after the lunch rush."

"Sounds good." Seth nodded and left.


TODAY'S POST

CHAPTER 11 B

After the lunch crowd died down, Emma rechecked the number of children who'd indicated they'd attend the summer reading program. She entered her dad's office. "Seth's worried about the kids doing artwork on the sidewalk. I need to tell him how many kids I expect." She glanced toward the still crowded dining room and held her phone. "Think a text will take care of it?"

Keith took her phone. "Go to the police station. He might have questions."

"You're right." Emma laughed. "He questions everything." She retrieved her phone. "I'll be back in a few minutes."

Ace greeted Emma at the station door. She knelt and petted him. "I missed you too." She kissed his muzzle. "I'm going to have treats for you at the bakery. I'll start tomorrow, but don't tell your dad. Deal?"

Ace nuzzled her.

At the door stood Peggy Barton. "Why are you here?"

"I have information Chief Carter is waiting for."

Carl walked up and hugged her. "Seth's expecting you. He's in his office, go on in."

Emma walked to Seth's door and knocked.

Seth opened it and invited her in. "You're always welcome. Just walk in." He closed the door.

"You might be questioning somebody important."

"True. Knocking's a good idea."

"I need to hurry. We still have quite a few customers. For tomorrow, I have fourteen kids registered, but I'm planning on sixteen, just in case."

"Sounds good." He opened the door. "Carl, tomorrow we're working traffic control in front of the Winters' bakery around two o'clock for probably thirty minutes or until the kids leave." He faced Emma. "If it starts at one-thirty, I'm guessing we'll be needed about two, right?"

"I think so."

Jake walked in and hugged Emma. "Pumpkin, I've heard last night you captured some criminals."

"You heard wrong."

He chuckled. "I just spoke with them, and they said you single handedly took them down."

Shaking her head, Emma said, "I need to get back. Come by the bakery, and I'll see you get coffee. That includes Carl and Chief Carter. I'll see you all later."

As Emma reached the front door, there stood Peggy. "I know what you're doing, always including Seth. He's mine. You need to stay away. Making friends with his mangy dog won't work either."

Emma walked by her. She paused and faced Peggy. "Funny. Chief Carter told me last week he didn't have a girlfriend. I guess he's changed his mind." She watched Peggy walk to the main counter and shrugged her shoulders. Ace isn't a mangy mutt. He's a sweet boy and a talented K-9.

*****
Later that afternoon, Carl went to set some files on Seth's desk and saw Peggy hovering over it. "You shouldn't be in Chief's office. It's illegal to touch items on his desk."

"I heard Seth tell Emma Winters she didn't need to knock. She was welcome anytime."

"Emma doesn't come by without first being asked. You seem to have nothing to do but hang around the police station. You need to wait in the front lobby until you're asked to come back. Chief Carter isn't here. I'm guessing that's who you're hoping to see."

"Do you know when he'll return?"

"I don't keep his schedule. I'll tell him you dropped by."

*****
After dinner, Emma answered scratching at her door. She knelt and hugged Ace. "Where's your dad?" She glanced off to the right. "It must be an important call. He's animated and pacing. Come inside."

A few moments later, Seth knocked. When Emma answered, he said, "Sorry, I got a call. I guess Ace got impatient."

"He's always welcome. I'm sure you're here for the aloe." Emma handed him a brown paper sack. "In case Ms. Barton doesn't have the supplies, I have them ready. I'm sure she'd prefer she treated your back."

His jaw clenched. "Carl told me what Ms. Barton told you. I'm sorry. I'm not dating her, have never dated her, and will never date her. Jake and I went on a five-mile run. The sweat caused the gauze to fall off and my shirt rubbed against the sunburn. It hurts."

Emma motioned to the chair. "Please sit. Were you and Jake running for fun, exercise, to burn off steam, or to solve a problem?"

As he sat, his eyes met hers. "All of the above."

"Is the problem solved?"

He raised his T-shirt to his shoulders. "Not yet but getting closer."

"Good. This sunburn doesn't look good. If you have time, I'd like to put a cold towel on it."

"I have time."

After Emma wetted a dishtowel under cold water, she held it against the sunburned area. "I hope this gives you some relief."

"It does."

Almost whispering, Emma said, "Am I part of your problem?"

Seth faced her. "You're not the problem."

"Thank you."

Turning his back toward her, he said, "I went to Cedarville so Jake and I could interview a person of interest. It was a waste of time." He released a deep breath. "I don't like not having answers. There's not one lead on who siphoned your gas. Only lead we have is the person you described from college. He doesn't appear to be in town. It's been a week. I should've solved it in a day, two at the most."

"Maybe it was just a random act."

"Could be, but my gut says differently."

"Should I go to the aloe or another cold towel?"

"Could I have another cold towel? It felt good."

"Of course."

After a sigh, Seth said, "Sorry. Enough about me. How are you doing?"

"Better than last night."

"I'm glad. If you struggle tonight, I'm only a phone call away."

"I took one night's sleep from you. I can't do it again."

Seth faced her. "You're welcome as often as you need."

Emma swallowed. "Thank you."

As the aloe was applied, Seth told Ace to take Molly outside. When Emma finished, he lowered his T-shirt. "I forgot something. I'll be right back."

When Seth returned, he handed Emma a sack. "Maybe this will help."

She opened it and started to throw her arms around him but stopped. "Sorry."

Seth studied her. I'd like a hug.

Lifting up a moon shaped night-light, Emma said, "Thank you, but you didn't need to."

Seth inhaled. "Last night you mentioned how dark it was. I thought night-lights would help. There's a dozen. Put them wherever you want." He watched Ace herd Molly inside. "I guess I'd better get home. If you need to, call. I won't mind. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Thank you."

He nodded as he walked away.


*****
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