Chapter Two
By the time supper ended, Gabe was beginning to think hed never get rid of Nolie Lang. Every member of his family seemed determined to talk to her. He could only hope they were all telling her the same thing he hadthat he didnt need her help. The woman should leave convinced shed have to find another guinea pig for her experiment.
Judging by the way Nolies gaze kept darting toward the door, she was ready to be free of the Flanagans, too, for the moment, at least. Well, he wanted her to be free of them permanently.
Hed steered clear while Mom had showed her the wall full of fire-department photos and citations above the mantel, not wanting to be the subject of his mothers praises in front of this woman.
But now Ryan joined them, chatting away as if he and Nolie were old friends. Gabe hoped he was reinforcing the family lineGabe doesnt need your help. Gabe is fine. Gabe will be back on the job in no time.
Ryan seemed to be turning on an inordinate amount of the Flanagan charm. Now, why was his little brother going to so much trouble? It certainly wasnt as if Nolie were his type. Ryan might be initially attracted by the long blond hair, but everything else about Nolie would turn him off.
Plain. That was all he could think. She looked as if she hadnt made the faintest effortjust run in from the barn and tossed on a white shirt and navy blazer. Even his tomboy sister Terry would have done a better job for an important interview.
So what interested Ryan so much? He sauntered closer to find out.
Thats my father and his brothers when they first joined the department.
Ryan had obviously taken over the explanations, while his mother smiled and nodded. Nolie couldnt know it, but the Flanagan kids favored either Mom or Dad in personality as well as looks. Mary Kate, Terry and Ryan were as ebullient as Dad, while he and Seth had his mothers reserve.
Ryans eyes sparked with mischief as Gabe joined them. And heres the brand-new citation for our latest hero, Gabriel Flanagan.
Nolie studied the plaque with every indication of interest. Gabe averted his eyes from it and glared at his brother.
Give it a rest, Ryan.
Hey, I will when you stop gold-bricking and get back on the job. I dont want to have to uphold the family traditions single-handedly.
Youve got Dad, Seth and Terry to do that.
He could only hope they were also keeping Ryan in line. The kid had a tendency to take more risks than he needed to at times.
Theyre not the current hero. Ryan, of course, knew exactly what buttons to push.
Knock it off. That came out with enough of a snarl in his voice that even his baby brother knew he meant it.
With another engaging grin for Nolie, Ryan moved away.
We are proud of you, his mother said softly. You know that, dont you?
Sure, Mom. He dropped a quick kiss on her cheek. I understand, but Nolie didnt come to hear the whole Flanagan saga.
Actually its quite helpful in deciding what kind of dog will work best for you, Nolie said. Im finding it all very interesting.
She was probably picturing the publicity shed get for her program with him as her prized exhibit. Well, he wasnt going to join her dog-and-pony show, not if he could help it.
A clatter of dishes from the kitchen diverted his mother. She murmured an apology and scurried in that direction.
As soon as shed gone, he squared off with Nolie. I already told you. I dont need a dog.
Her level brows lifted. I believe I heard you tell the chief that youd cooperate.
What I told he began.
Are you seeing all the family history? This time the interruption came from a man new to the gathering, and he gritted his teeth before attempting introductions.
Nolie Lang, this is my cousin, Brendan Flanagan. Come to scrounge some leftovers, no doubt.
Brendans grin admitted the truth of that barb. Only partly. I also wanted to meet Ms. Lang.
Nolie, please. She extended her hand. Are you another of the Flanagan firefighters?
Brendan shook his head, probably used to explaining his story.
Im the one holdoutthe only Flanagan who didnt go into the family business. Im the minister at Grace Church.
Gabe couldnt miss Nolies reaction to that. She snatched her hand back as if shed touched hot metal, and her skin went pale under her tan.
Now what, exactly, was going on with the woman?
Brendan keeps us in line, Gabe said with deliberate casualness, watching her. If all the Flanagans arent sitting in a row on Sunday morning, he wants to know why.
And Im also the fire department chaplain, so they cant get away from me at work, either, Brendan added. Which I guess means I didnt completely reject the family business.
He could tell by the way Brendan studied Nolies face that hed noted her intense reaction, too.
I see. She gave a meaningless smile, and he sensed that only strong control kept her from bolting out the door. She fumbled in her pocket and pulled out a card. Heres my address, she said, handing it to Gabe. Id like to meet at the farm tomorrow, if thats possible for you.
His jaw clenched. I dont think I can make it.
Their gazes clashed, and he saw a determination in hers that matched his own. I think youd better find a way.
The implication was clear. Hed show up, or shed sic the chief on him.
Fine. He ground out the word. What time?
About one oclock would be good for me.
She waited long enough for his curt nod, and then turned toward the door. Please thank your parents for me. I really have to leave.
She didnt wait for a response, just bolted toward the exit with barely concealed relief.
Gabe let the door close behind her before he looked at his cousin, eyebrows lifting.
Okay, let me in on the secret. Exactly what did you do to the woman to send her running?
Brendan shrugged, his eyes troubled. I dont know. She seems to have a problem with ministers, doesnt she?
Obviously. You dont usually send strange women screaming for the exit.
That didnt bring the smile he expected from Brendan. Id like to talk with her further. Maybe when youre working with her, you can mention that Id enjoy getting to know her better.
I dont intend to be working with her, remember?
So Ive heard. Brendans gaze probed beneath the surface. You want to talk about that?
No. He didnt. He didnt want to talk about any of it. Thanks anyway, Brendan. Save the pastoral advice for somebody who needs it. Im fine.
Fine. He certainly didnt want to talk to his cousin about the fact that he seemed to be going through the motions spiritually these days. Or that God had been silent just when he needed Him most.
And he also didnt intend to discuss his vulnerabilities with Nolie Lang. Determination tensed every muscle. This little encounter hadnt worked out as well as hed hoped. Even the Flanagan crew hadnt been able to convince her he didnt need her services.
But the next day theyd be alone together, without his loving, interfering family around. Theyd have it out.
He wasnt going to be Nolies test case. Tomorrow hed make sure she accepted that fact.
He wasnt going to be Nolies test case. Tomorrow hed make sure she accepted that fact.
Gabe hadnt shown up. One oclock had come and gone, and he hadnt even called. Nolie couldnt say she was surprised.
She tried to concentrate on getting Danny Trent and his wheelchair through the obstacle course shed set up in the renovated garage that was now her training center. Shed left the big doors open, and May sunshine warmed the concrete floor.
One might expect that the eight-year-old, with his multiple birth defects and his feuding parents, would be tough to work with, but he wasnt. Dannys indomitable spirit shone through no matter what struggle he faced.
At the moment he was adjusting to training with Lady, the German shepherd shed chosen for him. Both took to their challenges eagerly, and her heart warmed with the joy of a successful pairing.
Great job, Danny.
Danny rewarded her with the smile that seemed too big for his small face. Thanks.
Now tell Lady what a good girl she is and give her a treat.
She watched as he struggled to make his hand cooperate in giving Lady the doggie nugget. It was hard not to jump in and help when he had difficulty, but Danny could do this himself. Every little triumph gave him energy for the next challenge.
The boy beamed when he succeeded. Lady licked his cheek, making him giggle.
Can we do it again, Nolie? Please?
Sure, give it another try.
Hed do it faster this time, with more confidence. Gabe ought to see this. Maybe Dannys efforts would help him to understand what her program was all about.
She couldnt say shed done a very good job of dealing with the man. Shed like to blame it on being knocked off balance by the unexpected condition Henley had put on her grant, but that wasnt all that had gone wrong.
Shed found Flanagan himself intimidating, although shed certainly never let him know it. His fierce anger at what had happened to him was almost palpable. He couldnt admit that. He was in complete denial about the entire situation.
As for that visit to his housewell, shed been grateful to escape back to the solitude of her own little world. The Flanagan brood was a little overwhelming.
Unfortunately, escape was the right word. Shed basically run like a deer after that unexpected encounter with Gabes cousin. The minister.
The very word left a sour taste in her mouth. That was what Brother Joshua had called himself, although certainly no divinity school had ever claimed him. And she doubted that God had given any sort of blessing to the man.
None of that had mattered to the great-aunt whod reluctantly taken her in after everyone else had abandoned her. To put it in the most charitable light, Aunt Mariah hadnt known what to do with a thrown-away eight-year-old. So shed turned to the leader of her bizarre sect for child-rearing advice.
I know I should get over this, Father. My relationship with You transcends anything in my past. It does. But every time I come into contact with organized religion, all those dark memories come back.
Well, she didnt have to have anything more to do with Gabes cousin. And it looked as if she might not be able to have anything more to do with Gabe, either.
What were her options? She could confront him again. Or go to the fire chief for help. Or even contact the foundation, although she certainly didnt want to admit failure to Samuel Henley at the first hurdle.
We did it! Danny crowed. We did perfect, Nolie.
You sure did, honey. She managed to hug him and ruffle the dogs fur at the same time. Youll be ready for graduation before you know it.
His face clouded. I dont want tonot if I have to go away from you.
Hey, its okay. Her heart clenched. Ill always be your friend, you know that.
But they would part. That was the nature of her work. She bonded with a child or an animal, worked intensely with them for months, and then saw them leave. That was successthey didnt need her anymore.
She planted a kiss on Dannys cheek. Your moms here to pick you up. Ill see you next time.
She straightened, trying to keep the smile on her face. Dannys mother wasnt the only one here. Gabe lounged in the doorway, watching her.
Tension zinged along her nerves. Shed rather work with a dozen Dannys than one large, angry male, but she didnt have a choice.
She waved goodbye to the child and tried to put a little steel in her spine as she walked toward Gabe, Lady trotting at her heels. She wouldnt let the man intimidate her. She would show him the work she did here so convincingly that hed have to admit its value.
And make him admit he needed it? Probably not, but she had to try.
Good afternoon. She wouldnt say anything about his tardiness. Let him bring it up if he wanted.
He gave a curt nod. The jeans and white knit shirt he wore today contrasted with the dress shirt and slacks hed had on at the foundation the day before. His shoulders seemed even broader, his frown more intimidating.
She wiped her palms on her own faded jeans. He was not going to succeed in cowing her.
Thats a cute kid. When he finally spoke, it was about Danny.
Yes, he is. Her gaze softened as she watched the boys mother settle him into her van and fold his wheelchair with the ease of long practice.
Whats wrong with him?
Lady nuzzled Gabes leg, curious about the stranger, and he scratched her ears absently.
Good. At least he related to a dog without tension or fear. Danny has multiple birth defects. He may always have to depend on the chair, but he and Lady are going to be a good team.
He glanced down at Lady. Why didnt the dog go home with him?
They have a lot of training to do with me before that happens. But Dannys a hard worker. Hell make it. What about you, Gabe? Will you give me a chance to help you?
Meaning you think Im not. He shot the words at her.
She couldnt argue with everything he said, or theyd never get anything done. I guess well see, wont we?
She gestured around the expanse of concrete, with its hurdles, barricades, ramps and stairs. This is our training area. Clients and animals learn to work together here.
Dont you mean dogs?
At least something interested him. Mostly dogs, but not always. Ive trained monkeys to help people who have limited use of their hands. Different animals meet different needs. She stroked Lady. Lady will help Danny learn to maneuver in his chair, keep him safe and protect him if he falls.
Thats a big job for an animal. He was still frowning, but at least he wasnt walking away.
Lady can handle it. She loves to work. Im hoping that eventually shell be able to alert him. She hesitated, and then deliberately added, Danny has a seizure disorder, too. Maybe you ought to talk with him about it.
No. The word snapped out at her, sharp as a slap.
It could help both of you.
His hands clenched, as if he didnt know what to do with his stress. Look, I did tell the chief Id cooperate, so Im here. But dont try putting me in a box with your other patients. I wont fit.
Patience, Nolie, patience.
So where does the cooperating part come in?
He didnt smile, but some of the tension went out of his face. Like I said, Im here. Im ready to be convinced that what you do is legitimate.