Broken Things (Faded Photograph Series) (7 page)

“I see…”
Arbor Springs is a dumping zone.

“Now if you’ll look at that next piece of paper I gave you,” Evan continued, “you’ll see a copy of the state’s inspection. Officials came through several months ago and, as you’ll notice, Arbor Springs was cited for some violations. Some of them have been corrected, but some haven’t. That’s why you’re here, Mrs. Littenberg.”

She disliked the formality. “Allie. Please call me Allie.”

“Okay, Allie it is.” Again he sent her a pleasant grin.

Lowering her gaze to the report, she read over the citations. They ranged from insufficient staffing to dietary and housekeeping concerns.

“The entire place has been spruced up since the inspection,” Evan informed her. “It’s been painted, wallpapered, carpeted in the visiting areas, and new flooring has been installed on each unit.”

Allie gave a nod of approval. She didn’t have a problem with the facility’s décor per se, although she would prefer light-filtering blinds over the windows rather than the heavy draperies now covering them.

“Personally, what I think is needed here,” Evan stated at last, “is some major reorganization. Once we’ve got that in place, our goal is to use Arbor Springs as a model for our other healthcare facilities. The most important thing is to avoid more citations and any fines.” Evan tipped his head to one side. “Think this is something you’d like to tackle?”

“You know?” The familiar spring of determination welled up from somewhere within Allie while a sense of purpose enveloped her. “I believe this is the perfect job for me.” She could reorganize Arbor Springs. No problem. She specialized in reorganization. She’d had plenty of experience in other healthcare facilities, although she previously targeted billing and administrative offices. But this wasn’t so different. And if she gave this job her all, she might even make a contribution to the happiness of Arbor Springs’ residents.

* * *

Hours later, Allie acclimated herself with what would become her office for the next few months. Located on the first floor, it was down the hallway with the other administrative offices and physical therapy rooms and directly adjacent to the lobby. She had a window and a nice view of the small courtyard in back of the facility. The environment was conducive to her success, and if all went well with this job―as she sensed it would―Allie figured she’d be home in California by Christmas. Perhaps Nick and his new bride, Jennifer, would be expecting a baby by that time.

A baby
…

A new generation
…
and one whose beginnings would be founded on God’s Word, unlike my own. Unlike Nick’s…

Allie couldn’t help a wistful smile as she sifted through her desk, making a mental list of the supplies she’d need. Evan had told her to purchase any necessary items and turn in an expense report.

Glancing at her watch, she decided to duck out early. It might be her only day to do so. Starting tomorrow, Allie knew her hours would be consumed with interviewing each supervisor and his or her employees―and this facility ran three shifts, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

Gathering her laptop computer and handbag, she left Arbor Springs for the sunny, summer day. Climbing into the rental car, Allie tried to remember where she’d seen a discount office supply place.

And then she realized it―Arbor Springs Healthcare Center was halfway between the City of Chicago and Oakland Park.

An idea formed.
No, I couldn’t
. And yet, why not? There was still plenty of time before nightfall. What harm could there be in just cruising through the old neighborhood? Gorgeous day for a drive.

Allie started the engine and grinned. She hadn’t had much chance to see Oakland Park the night she went to Steve and Nora’s for dinner. Sadly, Steve couldn’t remember what happened to her stepdad and stepsisters, although he thought they’d all moved away. Perhaps she’d find some answers today.

She gripped the steering wheel and promised the Lord that she wouldn’t pry open any doors that He wanted to stay closed. But if there was restitution to be made, she’d sure like the chance.

The drive took her longer than she anticipated. She’d gotten caught in the late afternoon traffic and then wound up taking a wrong turn. It was nearly six o’clock when she finally entered the quiet neighborhood in which she had lived thirty years ago. Located about five miles away from the area in which Steve and Nora resided, Allie was amazed at how much the same everything appeared. Oh, perhaps, the trees were taller and the houses sported a different color of paint than what she’d remembered. But overall, it seemed like the same old place.

Nostalgia filled her being as Allie parked the
Cavalier
and climbed out. She strolled to the edge of the front lawn, staring ahead the two story, brown stucco house in which she’d lived with her mother, stepfather, and stepsisters. She recalled vividly how each spring her mother used to plant marigolds in front of the hedges. In another flowerbed alongside the house, Mom liked to plant an assortment of annuals, usually whatever she’d find on sale. Strange, after thirty years she still missed her mom.

Children’s laughter wafted on the warm wind, and for a moment Allie thought she’d imagined it―until a group of kids rounded the house, chasing each other. She smiled, watching their antics. She thought about her own son, Nick, remembering when he was a boy. She had tried to shelter him from Erich’s unpredictable angry moods as best she could, even sending Nick to boarding school during his elementary years. Consequently, she missed some of very important times in her son’s life. But Nick was all right with it and said he had fond memories of his younger years. He wasn’t holding on to any baggage from his boyhood. Amazing how alike Logan Callahan and Nick seemed.

Car doors slam shut behind Allie. Startled from her reverie, she turned and watched two of Oakland Park’s finest come her way.

One of the officers was Jack Callahan.

She froze.

He narrowed his eyes. “I had a feeling I’d find you here. As soon as we got the call and I heard the address, I just had a feeling…” He turned and muttered something to his partner who ambled up the front porch steps and rang the doorbell.

Allie was confused. “What’s going on?”

“The woman who lives in this house says you’ve been watching her kids for a half hour. She was afraid you were some weirdo, getting ready to nab them.”

“Oh, that’s ridic―” Allie cut herself off short. Why wouldn’t the woman think such a thing? In this day and age, a mother couldn’t be too careful with her precious children.

She glanced at her high-heeled feet before bringing her gaze back to Jack. “I should have introduced myself and explained that I used to live here.”

“Your family’s long gone, Allie, and so are your friends” Jack’s tone sounded terse. “You’ve got no business back in Oakland Park, and you know it.”

The remark stung. So much so, it brought tears to her eyes. But, blinking back her emotion, she knew Jack spoke the truth.

“You’re right. I guess I shouldn’t have allowed myself the luxury of reminiscing.”

“Sign of old age.” Jack flipped his palm-size notebook open.

Allie watched him closely and took a few steps forward . “I’m not afraid of growing old. Are you?”

He didn’t reply, but kept writing in that little book of his.

“I hope to be a grandmother soon.”

Finally pocketing the spiral-bound pad, he looked at her. “Bully for you. Now, you’d best be on your way.”

“Sure.” With a parting glance at her former home, Allie headed toward the rented auto. Reaching the door, she turned back and, finding Jack’s eyes on her, she decided to ask one more question. She walked back and stood a couple of feet away. “Jack, do have any idea what happened to my stepfather and stepsisters? Any idea where I might find them?”

She watched while he seemed to wrestle with something threatening to explode within him. She knew that look and almost took a step backward. Allie willed her feet not to move. She refused to be intimidated.

At last Jack swallowed hard. “Your stepdad’s most likely dead. I heard he had cancer. That was about fifteen years ago. Brenda married someone she met in college, and Colleen married Royce Strobel. Remember him? Royce? He lived right up the block.”

“Royce…” Allie searched her memory. “Oh, of course! The Strobels lived right over there.” She pointed at a white, wood-framed home.

“Still live there. Mr. and Mrs. Strobel are in their eighties now.”

Allie smiled. “So Colleen married the boy next door. Well, almost next door. Three doors away.” Suddenly she took note of Jack’s scowl and her smile faded. “What’s wrong?”

“You’re what’s wrong. Did it ever occur to you that you’re about twenty-five years too late in coming back here? It’s long past the time for happy reunions, Allie. Everyone’s got their own life, and you’re not part of them. But that was your decision. Remember?”

“Yes. I remember.” Allie’s heart twisted painfully. “And perhaps I am too late on some accounts. Maybe even on most accounts.” She squared her shoulders. “But I refuse to believe that at least a few of the bridges I burned can’t be rebuilt.”

“Oh, I get it,” he muttered. “You’re trying to appease a guilty conscience. Well, did you ever consider the cost of that, Allie, or are you still thinking of only yourself? Everyone you once knew has gotten along perfectly fine without you for decades. Your dredging up the past isn’t going to rebuild bridges. It’s going to blow up in your face―and everyone else’s too. More hurt.” He narrowed his gaze.“Is that what you want? You want to cause more hurt?”

“Of course not.” Folding her arms, she allowed her gaze to wander down the block. She sensed Jack spoke for himself more than he protected her former friends and family members. “I never hurt my stepfamily. I never hurt my friends. I couldn’t deal with my circumstances thirty years ago and I didn’t even know how to try and begin. So I ran away. It’s as simple as that.”

Letting her arms fall to her side, she met his gaze head on and unabashed. “I was very young, Jack. I’m sorry I hurt you. More sorry than you’ll ever know.” Allie wanted to add that he’d hurt her too, but decided now wasn’t the time. She’d start with an apology and go from there.

Jack stared at her hard and Allie noted the steely glint in his dark eyes. “Kind of a trite little speech there, Mrs.
Littenberg
.”

She brought her chin back at the sharp reply, shocked and disappointed in that Jack refused to forgive her.

“Hey, Sarg, everything’s cool with Mrs. Patterson.” Jack’s partner came to stand at his side. He was a young man who looked as eager to please as a puppy.

“Great, then let’s get something to eat. I’m starved.” Jack gave Allie a rigid glare. “Go back to California or wherever you came from. There’s nothing for you here. In fact,” he added, opening the door to the squad car, “there probably never was.”

“Maybe you’re right.”

Jack paused in mid-stride.

“Then, again, Officer Callahan, it wouldn’t be the first time you’d be wrong.”

Jack gave her a sharp look before getting into the car. Moments later, Allie watched the vehicle pull away from the curb and roll down the peaceful, suburban street. In spite of her backtalk just now, she felt discouraged. More than discouraged―downright heartsick. What if Jack was correct? Had she made a mistake in returning to Illinois? Would she cause more hurt than good?

The late summer breeze suddenly held a chill, and Allie shivered. Pivoting, she walked back to her car, but as she opened the door and prepared to slide in behind the wheel, she heard a light, but decidedly female voice hailing her from off in a distance. Off to her right, an elderly woman waved at her.

Allie smiled. “Mrs. Strobel,” she said under her breath, although she wouldn’t have recognized the woman under any other circumstances. But since she’d obviously emerged from the home in which the Strobels had lived ever since Allie could remember, it had to be her.

Closing the car door, she headed toward the old woman.

“I’d know you anywhere, Allison Drake,” she stated when Allie reached her. “And then when I saw you talking to our very own Officer Callahan…why it took me back a whole generation!”

Allie laughed in spite of herself. “I’m sure it did.”

The old lady held out blue-lined, arthritic hands, and Allie took them in hers.

“It’s good to see you again, Mrs. Strobel.”

“It’s good to see you, too, dear.” A little sigh escaped her. “My, but it’s been so very long, hasn’t it?”

“Yes.”

“Will you come in for a while and tell us what you’ve been doing with yourself? Where do you live now?”

“California. And, sure, I’ll come in and visit awhile.”

Together, they strolled up to the front door.

“I understand Colleen married Royce,” Allie said.

“Oh, yes, and they’re very happy. They’ve had their share of ups and downs, of course. Haven’t we all? But, truly, they’re doing fine. Three children, two girls and a boy…all in college now.”

“Is that right?” Allie paused the woman just inside the door. “Say, Mrs. Strobel, do you think Colleen would…well, do you think she’d want to see me again? I’d like to see her, but I don’t want to…to dredge up any bad memories.” She borrowed Jack’s verbiage.

“I’d love to see you, Allie.”

Turning sharply, Allie suddenly came face to face with her stepsister.

Chapter Six

Colleen Strobel gave Allie such an exuberant hug that it brought tears to her eyes. She knew she didn’t deserve the welcome, but she was thankful for the bit of encouragement. Perhaps she hadn’t made a mistake coming back here after all.

“Colleen…” Allie pulled back and searched her stepsister’s face. “How good to see you again? I mean it.”

“It’s good to see you too, Allie.”

The merriment in Allie’s soul couldn’t be matched. “I’m so relieved that you don’t hate me.”

“I don’t, although I’ve often wondered about you.”

Mrs. Strobel interrupted their reunion. “Let’s all sit down, shall we?” She led Allie and Colleen away from the front hall. “Philip’s asleep on the sofa and I don’t want to wake him,” she said, referring to her husband. “A cup of tea sounds good, doesn’t it? I’ll set the kettle to boiling and you two can keep talking.”