Scott Wittenburg - The May Day Murders

“How about the theory that two-parent families are more stable for children?”

“I won’t argue with that. But remember, a divorce needn’t be a death sentence, Ann. Many parents remarry and experience successful relationships between stepparent and child.”

This was something Ann had given little thought to. “Are you sure you don’t have any children, Jerry?” Ann said, grinning. “I mean, you seem so well-versed on the topic.”

He chuckled, then his expression turned somber. “I wish I did, Ann. I really do. Marie and I tried for years to have a child but never had any luck. We were seriously considering adoption just before she passed away.”

“I’m so sorry, Jerry,” Ann said quietly.

“It’s all right. At least I have my kids at the church, and believe me-they’re quite a handful!”

Ann smiled and fell silent. For the first time, she realized just how lonely Jerry Rankin must be and felt sorry for him. Beneath the surface of that rugged physique and handsome, confident face beat a lonely heart-Jerry Rankin was a vulnerable soul who obviously loved kids and sorely missed his lately departed wife.

To look at him, who would ever have guessed?

The restaurant was crowded when they arrived. Once they were shown to their table, they each ordered a glass of wine and began looking over the menu. After they’d given the waiter their orders, Ann stared across the table at Jerry and said, “This is wonderful, Jerry. I’m glad you suggested it.”

“The food is just as impressive as the atmosphere. If you like Italian food, this is the place to be.” he replied.

“There’s something I’ve been dying to ask you. Are you English, by any chance?”

“Not hardly!” he laughed. “I spent several years in Europe before I got married-I met Marie in England, as a matter of fact. After we were married, I brought her back to the States and we settled down in Cleveland, which is my hometown. Between the time spent in Europe and being around Marie all those years, I seem to have picked up a bit of an accent in the process.”

“I’ll bet I’m not the first to ask you then, am I?” Ann said.

“No, actually, you’re not,” he replied. “Have you ever been to Europe, Ann?”

“No. I’ve never even been out of the continental United States. I guess you could say I’ve led a sheltered existence.”

“You really should go some time. It’s marvelous-especially France.”

“So I’ve heard.”

The waiter came over and they ordered another glass of wine. Ann felt herself becoming pleasantly buzzed by the time their food arrived. Jerry had loosened up considerably, too. His somewhat formal way of speaking became markedly more relaxed as the evening progressed and his dry sense of humor began to surface. By the time they’d eaten and had one more drink, the two were carrying on as though they were lifelong friends. Ann wasn’t sure if it was the alcohol or Jerry’s company that had put her in such high spirits-maybe a combination of both. All she knew was that she was thoroughly enjoying herself for the first time in what seemed like ages.

It was raining steadily when they left the restaurant so they made a mad dash for the car. Jerry cranked up the volume on the car stereo and they sang to the oldies on the way back to Ann’s house. When they pulled into the driveway, Ann hesitated only a moment before inviting Jerry Rankin in for a nightcap, halfheartedly stressing the fact that it was to be for only one drink and afterwards they would be calling it a night. Jerry happily accepted.

Inside, Jerry helped Ann off with her coat and followed her to the family room.

“My favorite room in the house,” Ann declared as she turned on the lights.

“It’s wonderful,” Jerry commented, surveying the room.

Ann went over to the bar and set a pair of wine glasses on the counter. “There’s still a few things I’d like to do in here before it’s all finished,” she remarked. “One is to replace that old sofa and chair. I’ve had them both for a couple of eons.”

Jerry joined her at the bar. “Need any help with that?” he asked just as Ann pulled the cork from the wine bottle. Ann shook her head, poured them both a glass and handed one to Jerry.

“Thanks,” he said as he followed Ann over to the sofa and sat down beside her. He eyed the romance novel lying on the coffee table curiously and picked it up. “Are you reading this?”

Ann blushed and giggled. “Yes, I must confess. I’m a real sucker for a good love story.”

“I didn’t mean to embarrass you,” Jerry said. “I’ve heard that you can tell a lot about a person by what he reads. I, for instance, like a good crime story; especially the ones based on actual events. I guess you could say I’m a sucker for intrigue and suspense.”

Ann laughed. “For a moment there I thought you were going to tell me that you were a criminal!”

He chuckled. “I feel like a criminal sometimes when I land a big, juicy real estate deal!”

“I take it you’re doing pretty well.”

“I certainly can’t complain. I’m trying not to let the money overwhelm me, however. I like to live comfortably but not too extravagantly. I’ve never been a flashy person.”

“I’m really glad to hear that,” Ann said.

“I have one weakness though: I love the great outdoors. And that’s my excuse for the country retreat I just purchased last spring in Hocking County. It’s an A-frame nestled in the foothills complete with a pond and forty acres of nothing but trees and wildlife.”

“Sounds nice,” Ann said.

“It’s beautiful. Maybe you’d like to see it sometime.”

Ann spoke before thinking. “I’d like that.”

“Great! Perhaps we could swing down that way some weekend before winter sets in,” Jerry suggested enthusiastically.

Ann hesitated. “Well, let’s just wait and see how things go in the meantime, Jerry.”

For the second time that night, Ann caught the faint glimpse of hurt in his eyes, which he promptly attempted to cover up. He said, “I’m sorry, Ann. I didn’t mean to be so pushy. Please forgive me.”

“It’s okay, Jerry. I just don’t want to jump into anything right now.”

“And I understand completely,” he said with a shrug. “I guess I was jumping the gun a bit.”

Ann didn’t like seeing him like this. She wished now that she had been a little more tactful. “I hope I haven’t scared you off by that last comment of mine. What I really meant to say was that I don’t want to rush things. I really have enjoyed this evening, Jerry, and I hope we can get together again… soon.”

Jerry Rankin leaned toward her. “I’m really happy to hear you say that, Ann. I feel a lot better suddenly. My problem is that I get a little carried away sometimes and end up sounding incredibly presumptuous. Anyway, I’ve enjoyed myself as well. You’re a lovely lady and lots of fun. So let’s make it a point to go out again soon and just take one step at a time, okay?” he offered, tipping his wine glass toward her.

“All right, we’ll just do that!” Ann declared, tipping his glass. They both took a sip and Jerry said, “So how do you usually spend your weekends?”

Ann replied with a frown, “Housework, mostly. And running errands.”

“Does Amy help you out any?”

She laughed. “You’ve got to be joking! I can’t even get her to keep her room looking halfway decent, much less get any help out of her with the rest of the house. She’s a hopeless case in that category, I’m afraid.”

“And I suppose you can’t somehow make her give you hand? Like threatening to cut her allowance off or grounding her?”

“I’ve tried everything, believe me. She’s incorrigible. I don’t like fighting and we get into a quarrel every time I try to discipline her, so I’ve all but thrown in the towel. I just don’t seem to have any control over the child anymore.”