The Stepchild

2017

PROLOGUE

A tear rolled down her cheek even though she was trying to be big and brave the way she’d promised. She couldn’t help it. She didn’t want to be here on the train, going to a new Mommy and Daddy. She wanted her real Mommy and Daddy back, and so did Baver. He cried so hard when they took him away.

Dorothy Miller gave her husband a pleading look as she noticed the tears in Sheri’s eyes. She knew the anguish the little girl must be feeling, leaving for a new home only days after being separated from her baby brother. Dorothy didn’t agree with the adoption system one bit, but her opinion made no difference. The agency claimed to have only the good of the child in mind, but Sheri was too young to understand that.

Why don’t I take Sheri Bear out onto the observation platform for a couple of minutes, Irvin Miller suggested, responding to the plea in his wife’s eyes.

Dorothy watched a flicker of interest cross the child’s face, and she nodded. Bring her in when we pass Carlson’s Crossing, Irv. We don’t want our big girl to catch a cold right before she meets her new Mommy and Daddy, she cautioned.

I won’t catch a cold, Sheri promised, standing up quickly and tugging at Irvin’s hand. Let’s go!

Dorothy flashed her husband a grateful look as they left. She was terribly worried about Sheri. This was the first sign of interest the little four-year-old had shown since her brother was taken away. Perhaps everything would be fine after all, but Dorothy couldn’t suppress a sense of foreboding. It was always bad business to separate families; someone would suffer for it.

Several of the passengers turned to smile as Sheri pulled Irvin down the aisle. She was a beautiful child with her long golden hair and big blue eyes. Dorothy just wished that she had been able to talk the orphanage into letting her stay with them permanently. All the protests they’d made hadn’t been one bit effective when it came to keeping Sheri’s little brother, and now they’d lost again. Dorothy knew in her heart that both children would have been happier together with them, but she and Irvin were too old to qualify according to the agency’s rules. There was something wrong with Christian charity when it meant breaking up families, and nothing anyone could say would convince Dorothy otherwise. Father O’Malley had told them that the Lord moved in mysterious ways, but Dorothy was convinced that the Lord needed a good talking to when it came to adoption rules. She and Irvin could have given both children a good home if only the orphanage had listened to reason.

Darkness was beginning to fall as Sheri walked out on the platform. The wind whipped around her, and she tightened her grip on Uncle Irvin’s hand as he pointed out at the tracks. She followed his finger with her eyes and saw a rabbit running fast in the circle of light cast by the train. Baver would love to see the rabbit, she thought sadly.

Tears welled up in Sheri’s eyes again. She had a big job to do now. She had to find Baver, so they could go look for Mommy and Daddy. Mommy and Daddy were hiding somewhere, just like a trick. All she had to do was get Baver and find them.

The tears came faster now, and Sheri held Uncle Irvin’s hand even tighter. She wanted to stay outside a while longer with the wind rushing past her face. But most of all she wanted to forget where they were taking her. If only everything were the way it used to be . . .

* * *

The engineer was alert as the train neared Carlson’s Crossing. He was always nervous when he came to this particular intersection; it was a bad one, hidden by a sloping curve in the road. Everyone who lived out here knew about it, but he still had visions of some out-of-state motorist zipping around the curve and right into the path of his train. He gave his standard warning blasts, and then another just to calm his nerves. No one could fail to hear the piercing whistle.

* * *

There were lights in her rearview mirror. They were coming closer. The car bounced on the winter potholes that hadn’t been filled in yet, as she took the curves faster than the posted speed. The car lurched, and there was a frightened whimper from the child beside her, but she couldn’t slow down now. She had to get away from him. He was following her, chasing her, but she would never let him catch her. She was a good driver, and the car was powerful.

Perhaps she’d go home later and have it out with him again, listen to the endless accusations. But not tonight. Tonight she would escape him, drive until she sobered up a bit and felt able to cope with the whole rotten world. Didn’t he know that was why she drank? So that she could cope with things instead of being afraid all the time?

Mama! the child whimpered, the small voice rising to a terrified scream. Mama! There’s a train coming!

S’ all right, honey, she said, gritting her teeth and managing to keep the heavy convertible on the road. Don’t worry about a thing. Mama’s going to take care of that bastard! Just see if I don’t!

Mama, I’m scared! The child’s voice broke into her thoughts again. Please, Mama! Not so fast!

Quiet! Her teeth were chattering now, so loudly that they sounded like firecrackers in her head. The top was down and it was cold, the wind whizzing past their heads in icy blasts. She should have put the top up, but they hadn’t had time. There hadn’t been time to do anything except run, and that was just what she was doing. She’d lose him somehow and drive to Grey Eagle, have a little warm-up drink in that nice little rustic bar her father had liked. They’d have food for Kathi, and she could feel the warmth of the liquor in her body again. Then her teeth would stop chattering. But first, she had to get away from him. He was following her . . . both of them were . . . he and that shameless whore. Damn him!

Mama! The train!

The child was terrified, and for a moment the woman paused, looking in the rearview mirror, and lifted her foot from the accelerator. Then she grinned, and her foot thumped down all the way to the floor. The car leaped forward. They would beat the train, and he would be stuck there at the crossing. He’d be stuck, and she’d be free to go on and drink as many doubles as she wanted tonight—without his nagging reminders and polite warnings about her drinking. He could sit there at the crossing until hell froze over, for all she cared; he’d never catch her tonight. Tonight would go her way. Was one night out of so many too much to ask?

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the child cover her face with her hands. No cause to worry; they were going to make it. They were going to beat that train and then they’d be free. There was a road right past the crossing, and she’d turn off there so he’d never find her. It would serve him right, the sanctimonious bastard. For once, she’d beat him at his own game.

* * *

The car’s headlights were not visible until they were almost upon the crossing. The engineer felt his heart leap in his chest, and he gave another shrill blast on the whistle to warn the speeding convertible. He leaned forward jerkily as he peered into the wedge of light, and then he hit the brakes and offered up a quick, wordless prayer. That crazy damn fool was going to try to beat the train!

* * *

She heard the scream as the brakes ground against the metal wheels. For the first time, fright penetrated her hazed mind. Of course they were going to make it, but . . . my God! She’d be playing right into his hands if they didn’t. He wanted her out of the way, so he could take up with that whore of his. He’d be happy if the train hit her. Then he’d have everything he’d ever wanted, except the money. He’d never get that . . .

* * *

The engineer hit the whistle again, but the car kept on coming, like an insect charging an elephant. It took time for the tons and tons of metal to stop, and he didn’t dare lock the brakes in place, or they’d derail for sure. There was an instant when time stood still, and he could see the determined face of the woman behind the wheel and the little girl in the seat next to her, her mouth opened in a frightened scream. Reality faded, and he was watching the whole thing in slow motion, hearing the sickening crash, seeing the flicker of the stop-action frames behind his eyes as the car spun and disintegrated, flames ballooning up from the wreckage like hungry demons.

The train swayed for a moment, the giant metal beast fighting to right itself on the metal girders of the rails. There were screams from the passengers as they were thrown from side to side in the car. He heard the screams and knew his own mouth was open, screaming too, although he could not hear the sound of his own voice. The train tipped at a crazy angle, and something sharp struck his head.

God, no! They were falling, lurching, and rolling as the train left the tracks. The giant, lumbering baby was severed from its shining metal cord. Then the blackness came up to meet him, and the screams of the passengers faded until everything was cold and silent. The moon was bloodred, but he no longer saw.

* * *

She was there and then she was not, the force of the crash lifting her in painful arms and hurtling her into the brushy darkness along the side of the tracks. There was another girl lying very close to her, but she was not crying. Her blue eyes were open, and she looked like a broken doll. There was pain, she hurt everywhere, and she screamed out for someone to help her. . . to take her to Mama! The bright orange light hurt her eyes, and the noise was so loud, no one would ever be able to hear her. The Tiger had promised; he had promised that the train wouldn’t ever come off the tracks, but it had, and it had hurt her. Her dress was torn, and all dirty and sticky with something that looked shiny black in the flickering light. She’d get a spanking for that. The dress was new and now she’d got it all dirty.

Good God! The poor little thing! She could see big hands covering the other girl with a blanket, pulling the blanket over her face.

Christ! Over here! a loud voice called out, and then she was lifted gently, carefully, but it didn’t make any difference. Everything hurt.

Easy boys. Looks like she’s in a coma, a low voice said, and there was a sting in her arm like a bee bite. Something warm and heavy was pressing her eyelids down, so she didn’t have to see the flickering orange lights anymore. Everything was dark, the hurt was all gone, and she wished that she could remember why she was crying....

CHAPTER 1

Kathi Ellison shivered a little as she pushed the shopping cart into the meat section and examined the steaks. It was always so cold in this part of the store, and her feet were wet from the rain. Usually David went shopping with her, but she hadn’t asked him today because she wanted to pick out something very special for dinner tonight. It was their first anniversary. She had moved in with David Carter exactly a month ago, and tonight they were going to celebrate.

The tall, blond coed made a wry face as she mentally added up the price of the items in her shopping cart: fresh mushrooms, broccoli, a loaf of San Francisco’s renowned sourdough bread, and two steaks. Even though Vivian and her father were always cautioning her to eat right, Kathi was sure they wouldn’t approve of the way her allowance was being spent this month. And they would certainly disapprove if they knew what occasion was going to be celebrated in Kathi and David’s small, off-campus apartment. The Ellisons had no idea that their daughter was living with David, and Kathi wasn’t about to tell them now. It wouldn’t be right to make her father worry when the senatorial election was less than a month away. No one would find out that Doug Ellison’s daughter was living in sin. She was still listed in the college register as being a resident of the girls’ dorm, and her former roommate collected all of Kathi’s mail and messages. Kathi knew that she’d eventually have to tell her parents—but after the election, not before.

Carrying her purchases in a large sack, Kathi skipped over puddles as she hurried back to the apartment. She wanted to beat David home today and have their anniversary dinner ready to eat by the time he came home from the library. She hadn’t even mentioned the fact that it was their anniversary. David would be surprised. She hurried a little faster as she thought of how pleased he would be.

Even though Kathi’s yellow rain slicker covered her long legs, and her hair was tucked carefully under the matching rain hat, she was still soaked by the time she got to the apartment building. The lobby door shut behind her, and Kathi fumbled in her purse for her keys, wiping her feet carefully on the welcome mat outside the apartment door. She didn’t want to track up her freshly cleaned floor, which she’d done an excellent job of waxing, even though she wasn’t used to housework. Even Sally, the Ellisons’ maid, would have to admit that Kathi was turning into a good housekeeper.

Kathi had just located her key when the door swung inward, and strong arms pulled her into the apartment.

Oh, David! Kathi gasped. You scared me. I didn’t think you’d be home for at least another hour.

I got through a little early, David explained, taking the bag from her and setting it on the table. Hey, you’re soaked to the skin. Let me help you out of those wet things.

Kathi gave a pleased giggle as David helped her out of her raincoat, and then proceeded to tug off her college sweatshirt as well.

That’s not wet! she protested. What are you doing?

My mother always said to take a hot shower after you’ve been out in a cold rain, David advised, trying to look solemn. I just got home a few minutes ago myself, and I haven’t had time to take mine. We could save on water if we took a shower together.

Always practical, aren’t you? Kathi teased, ducking under David’s arm and running toward the bathroom. She didn’t have to look to know that David was following her. As far as Kathi was concerned, the shower was a perfect place to start celebrating their anniversary.

* * *

Oh, David! We’re going to drown! Kathi laughed and gasped at the same time. Their wet bodies were slipping together under the heated spray, and she gave another shriek as David fondled her playfully. You’re a sex maniac, that’s what you are! Nothing but a—

Her protest unfinished, David’s strong arms were lifting her, carrying her dripping wet from the bathroom to a towel spread out on the bed. So he had planned it! The towel was ready and waiting for them on their big double bed.

As David’s body covered hers, there was a singing in her veins, and the breath escaped from her lungs in an explosion of soft, loving sounds. His hands touched her moist skin, and a burst of heat shimmered through her body.

How’s this? David asked, his voice husky as his head lowered and his lips found the secret places to kiss. And this? And then this?

Yes— Kathi heard her own voice joining his as he caressed her. She raised her arms and put them around his neck, pulling him down to her. Now, David . . . please, she whispered.

He raised up, spreading her legs gently. Filled with an aching tenderness for her, he leaned forward again, kissing with lips that trembled.

I love you, Kathi. . . . I love you.

She could feel it start to happen. Her body seemed to melt, and her heart was pounding in her throat—or was it his heart? Their lips were open, their mouths joined, breathing in the same air, together so tightly that they seemed to be one person. Then they were moving together, pulling back and joining again, over and over. Her hands were grasping him now, pulling him deeper, deeper, deeper, until the sweetness began to seep into her, and at last they fell back onto the pillows, exhausted, still holding hands.

A long time later, Kathi heard the rattle of drops against the windowpane, and she gave a fleeting thought to the sodden bag of groceries sitting on the table. It was early, still plenty of time for their celebration later, or had this been the real celebration? She smiled and snuggled closer, drifting off to sleep entwined in his arms as she listened to the rustle of the branches outside, and felt the warmth of his body protecting her.

* * *

It seemed as if she had always felt the pain, throbbing and stabbing behind her closed eyelids. She opened her eyes tentatively, and then winced as the dim, dusky light coming in through the window told her it was long past time to start dinner. David was still sleeping, and she rose from the bed, hoping not to wake him until she could take some aspirin and get rid of her pounding headache. It felt like a migraine. Vivian had described them often enough for Kathi to recognize the symptoms.

Hot water, Vivian had claimed. Always take aspirins with hot water. They work faster that way.

But the sound of the water rushing from the tap seemed to be roaring in Kathi’s ears. This was no ordinary headache; it was a bone-crushing, blinding, stabbing pain that made her want to scream in agony. Strange images were running through her mind, and for a moment she wondered if she were still asleep and dreaming. The visions were blurred, but she could see them clearly enough to realize that she didn’t know the faces.

A short, plump woman with curly gray hair was standing at an old-fashioned stove, stirring something. Then he was home, her uncle, lifting her up and hugging her tightly. He set her down in a rocking chair, and she realized she was not alone in the big chair. Her little baby brother was with her, swinging sneakered feet that didn’t even touch the floor.

Kathi whimpered and held her head tightly between her palms, one hand over each temple as if she could imprison the images with her fingers. What in the world—? She didn’t have a baby brother, or an uncle, or an aunt. She must still be dreaming. If only the headache would stop, she could shake her head and make the confusing images disappear.

With shaking fingers, Kathi snapped on the kitchen light. There . . . that was better. She was beginning to really wake up now, and her headache was going away. Her head was clearing, and the faces fading, until she saw only the red Rubbermaid dish drainer and the dishes she had