Page 49 of Shadow of Deceit
Pain radiated from some faces, anger and frustration from others. Ryan stood at the end of the sidewalk deep in a discussion with a counselor. He’d dressed much the same as yesterday—khaki tactical pants, hiking boots, and a green polo shirt, all giving him a rustic male charm that was far too attractive.
He listened to his counselor with a keen interest. His heart for these students and the counselors who worked for him sang through in his warm expression. Man, he was something. Had really turned into the fine man she’d always thought he would become.
Maybe her leaving town had been good for him. Who knows what she would’ve done if she’d stayed here instead of living with Wally? She might’ve continued to lead Ryan astray. Get him into trouble. Serious trouble.
And what about her? Wally was the one who nurtured her and encouraged her to follow her passion for helping the underdog and get a degree in counseling. Where would she be if she’d remained here?
Ryan glanced at her and offered a quick smile before turning back to his conversation. A conciliatory smile. All business as he’d promised. As she wanted.
So why didn’t she like it?
He clapped his hand on the counselor’s back, and seemingly unaware of her discomfort, he joined her and tipped his head at a scowling male student. “There’s Eddie. I’ll get him.”
Ryan escorted the boy closer. He had blond hair pulled back in a short ponytail and wore drooping camo shorts and a black T-shirt. His untied shoes sloshed on his feet, and his shoulders sagged as he walked.
But it was his fierce glare that captured her attention, and a moment of unease settled in her gut. Not in the same way Ryan’s earlier behavior had. He seemed to have put aside whatever had been on his mind and kept his professional hat on as he introduced Eddie.
So as she led Eddie into the building, why did Ryan’s behavior bother her? Did she want this attraction to him to go somewhere after all?
* * *
Thirty minutes later and Ryan couldn’t miss seeing Eddie storm out of the rec center and down the hill. His body was rigid, face tight, anger oozing from his pores. Could be a good sign or bad. Depending on the reason for his mood.
Ryan left the firepit and approached the boy. “Session go okay?”
He scowled. “Was lame. She wanted me to talk about my feelings.”
“That’s what you need to do. Get your feelings out so you can move forward.”
“Ooh, feelings.” Sarcasm dripped from each word like wax from a melted candle.
“Listen, Eddie.” Ryan took a step closer. “You have to cooperate if you want to stay in this program and not go back to juvie. And that means taking the counseling sessions seriously. Go ahead and join the group, but take some time to think about this and decide if you really want to be here.”
Eddie stomped off, his untied shoes sending up dirt puffs. No way the kid wanted to go back to juvie so hopefully this little talk would help.
Ryan turned to face the rec center where Mia stepped outside.
She crossed over to Ryan, her shoulders drooping. “That didn’t go so well. He didn’t open up at all.”
“I talked to him. Told him he needed to get with the program if he wants to stay in it. He doesn’t want to go back to juvie, so maybe he’ll listen and tomorrow will be better..”
“Maybe.” Mia rubbed her forehead and squinted into the sun. “I’m getting a headache. Would it be all right if I waited to write up my notes and head back to the lodge?”
“Sure, I’ll drive you in the UTV.”
She opened her mouth as if to say it wasn’t necessary but gave a sharp nod instead.
“Give me a second to tell Ian where I’m headed.” Ryan rushed over to his second in charge and made the telling short and to the point before Mia changed her mind. He joined her in the vehicle and drove her home.
“I’ll put it in the garage for the night and jog back.”
“I can get the door.” She hopped out and rolled up the squeaky door.
He puttered inside and turned to her. “Can I come in and check the place out?”
“Sure,” she said and led the way to the door of the breezeway leading to the lodge.
Her easy acquiescence should be a clue to her fatigue or disappointment in her day. She entered the breezeway, her feet dragging. She really was down about the session. That should be expected as it was the one positive thing she had happening in her life right now and it didn’t go so well.
