The Hawk Pierces: A Danielle Baker and Nigel Hawksworth Series, #2

By Debbra Anderson

It's summer in the Willamette Valley, and life is getting back to normal for Danielle Baker and her children. But their peace is shattered when Natalie calls. "I'm at my parents' house, and I need your help. How quickly can you get here?"

A man was found murdered at an over-55 party that Natalie's parents, Nonna and Papi, had attended, and Detective Nigel Hawksworth is investigating. Soon police officers are hallucinating, Nonna goes missing, and Natalie is fraying around the edges as the danger hits too close to home. 

And without warning, Danielle's parents arrive and want to stay with her! 

Nigel doesn't want her to get involved (again), but Danielle won't let that stop her from protecting the ones she loves. Her children want answers, but her mom wants to spend every day with her, and she still needs to write her next book so she can afford to eat. 

So much for a relaxing summer.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Debbra Anderson
• Release date: Sep 16, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223688730

Debbra Anderson

Debbra Anderson lives in a small town in Western Oregon where she spent more than 25 years in the homeschooling community. Now that her children are grown, she is enjoying her morning cup of tea - uninterrupted. The Hawk Circles is the first in her new Danielle Baker and Nigel Hawksworth series.

Book preview

Chapter 1

It was Pretty Good

Y ou do that again, and you’ll pay for it! shouted Shelly as her brother splashed her. Mikey was laughing too hard to answer back, so sweet, gentle Hannah sneaked up on Shelly’s other side, scooped water in her hands, and threw it at Shelly. She missed. And I was left with half a head of wet hair while all three children rocked their pedal boats with their laughter.

We were at the lake in Albany where they rent pedal boats. I can’t ever remember the name of the park, but I know exactly where it’s at – about a half-mile off I-5. It’s protected from traffic noises by a cleverly laid line of trees and shrubs, so those of us who enjoy the pedal boats can play in relative quiet. It’s a beautiful place.

All right, you three, I announced with a smile. I need to dry off and eat. How about –

Yes! shouted Mikey and Shelly while Hannah just smiled, and all three raced back to the dock. Shelly won. At sixteen, she had long, lithe muscles. Mikey came in second, because Hannah didn’t want him to feel bad. At eleven, Mikey was sensitive to slights. Fourteen-year-old Hannah was, too, at times, but she has always been tender-hearted.

As I pulled up to the dock, I told Hannah, I would have come in last, hon. You didn’t need to throw the race.

Hannah smiled cheerfully and said, But it made Mikey feel so good to beat his older sister! He’s used to beating you. And she ran after her siblings in search of food.

After our picnic lunch, Shelly and I reclined on the blanket while Hannah played tag with Mikey. I love watching my kids play together. Shelly has the long, straight hair I’d always wished I could have. Hannah’s light brown curls are looser than my corkscrew-curly hair, and she’s only an inch shorter than I am. And Mikey already has the oversized hands and feet of the awkward age preceding adolescence. Shelly and he are almost-blondes, but I think he will be several inches taller than his sisters in a few years. Their friendships with each other warm my heart.

Hannah and Mikey ran around the clearing for a few minutes, and then Mikey pulled out a water pistol. Hannah shrieked and ran away while Mikey doubled over in laughter. Hannah acted grumpy as she walked over to the blanket.

Mikey always does that, she complained. He brings a water pistol or something and changes the rules in the middle of the game!

Mikey walked over, unsure of himself. Are you really mad at me, Hannah?

Hannah squatted down behind the picnic basket, a scowl on her face. Mad? she repeated. I don’t know, Mikey.

Mike, he corrected her.

Hannah shrugged as she stood up again, a water cannon in her hands. "I might be mad, Mikey," she almost shouted as she let loose a torrent of water at her little brother.

Mikey shouted and ran, Hannah chasing him.

In a surprisingly loud voice, Hannah yelled, You done messed up, Michael John Baker!

The two ran and laughed until they were both soaked and lying in the grass. Shelly and I had enjoyed the show, and I think several other picnicking families had, too, judging by the good-natured cheering and laughing. And all five of us were wet! I pulled out towels, and we proceeded to dry ourselves and our picnic supplies.

As Mikey wrung water from his shirttail, he asked, Hey, Mom, remember when Detective Hawksworth went to our Independence Day parade?

That was just ten days ago, Mikey! Shelly scoffed.

I smiled. I remember, Mikey.

Well, Mikey continued undeterred by Shelly, he was really funny about it, wasn’t he? Like he was confused and amused all at the same time.

We all nodded. Hannah said, I think Brits don’t really grasp just how proud we are of our ‘forefathers’.

Shelly interrupted, And ‘fore-mothers’.

Hannah nodded, And fore-mothers. Just a nation of farmers and merchants, overcoming a professional army. Also, they don’t seem to understand that when a nation has such a small population, the loss of about 38,000 is significant.

Mikey jumped up and down. "And they don’t understand how important it is to us that we choose our leadership, right, Mom?"

Shelly answered, That’s right, Mike. She laughed. Well, they choose some of their leadership. But this Brit definitely understands a little bit better, now, just how we feel.

And, I finished, he accepted it all with good grace, even though I sometimes wonder if he secretly sides with so many in England who still consider the U.S. to be ‘that rebellious colony’.

Mikey stood tall. And proud of it!

We laughed and continued to enjoy the memory of Nigel’s first Independence Day in the U.S. He was, as Mikey had said, confused and amused by it all. Since our War for Independence and War of 1812 were blips on England’s historical timeline, we had had the joy of teaching him about the wars from our point of view.

Shelly added, Well, and the parade seemed to confuse him a little, too.

Hannah laughed outright. Oh, yes. The cheerleaders and the tractors -

The old-time cars, Mikey interrupted, the polka band, the dancing horses -

Shelly added, The fire trucks and the bicycles.

Decorated bicycles, I reminded her. It’s a quintessentially American holiday parade, that’s for sure.

Small town parade, Shelly finished for us. We all smiled and nodded in agreement. This year’s Independence Day celebration had been especially fun with our own favorite Brit in tow.

Time to load up! I announced. We are semi-dry, and the walk to the parking lot should finish drying us off.

I’m gonna get there first! Mikey shouted as he lugged the cooler at a trot.

Not if I beat you! Shelly chased after him.

Hannah walked beside me. That was a lot of fun, she said with a smile. Thank you for helping me set up the water cannon, Mom.

I smiled down at her, My pleasure, Hannah-boo. Just, please don’t tell Mikey it was my idea.

Hannah laughed. No way! I like him thinking I might come up with something unexpected at any moment!

WE HAD THE PICNIC LOADED and were airing out the hot car when my cell phone rang. It was Natalie’s ringtone.

Wendall’s Crappy Donut Shop, I answered cheerfully.

Natalie said, I need your help.

Where are you? I asked as I motioned the kids to get into the minivan.

I’m at my parents’ house. How quickly can you be here? She was talking quietly.

I can be there in seven minutes. Are you in danger? Is that why you’re talking quietly?

No, I just don’t want the police to know I’m calling you. Abruptly, she ended the call.

I slammed the van door and said, Everyone buckled up? as I backed out of the parking space. I heard murmurs and clicks as I pulled out into traffic.

Mom, you forgot your seat belt, Shelly said quietly. I quickly snapped mine. What’s up? she asked.

I took a deep breath and answered, Natalie needs me at her parents’ house. And she doesn’t want the police to know she called me.

The kids glanced at each other. In the rearview mirror, I saw Hannah take Mikey’s hand. I took another deep breath and checked my speedometer.

I’m sure everything is okay, I answered their unspoken questions. I just want to go over and check up on Nonna and Papi.

Natalie and I have been friends for twenty-plus years, and her parents are just as much grandparents to my children as my parents are. We were a silent group as we turned into the 55+ community that had been home to Natalie’s parents for at least 15 years. As soon as they became eligible, they had placed their names on the waiting list for a home here. It’s an active community with a gym, indoor pool, Bingo nights (with nice prizes!), dances, parties, and so much more. They’ve even included membership to the country club in the HOA fees. Their slogan is, It’s a Happenin’ Place!

As we turned the corner to their house, we saw a police car outside the community hall. Natalie’s parents live just three doors down. There was a patrol car parked at the curb, and an unmarked car parked behind it. Uh-oh, I thought, that looks like Nigel’s car.

Shelly spoke my hidden fear. Detective Hawksworth isn’t going to like us being here, is he?

I smiled at her. We’re just here to say hi to Nonna and Papi.

As Shelly smiled back, Mikey said, Unless he asks if Natalie called us, right, Mom?

Of course, Mikey! I would never lie to him. I just won’t volunteer that information. Shelly and Hannah chuckled.

In the house, Nonna and Papi sat in their favorite chairs. We breezed in and acted surprised when we saw Officer Nicholls and Detective Hawksworth.

Hello! I hoped I wasn’t over-acting. Natalie sat at one end of the sofa. Detective Hawksworth sat in the middle. Officer Nicholls had pulled up a kitchen chair to complete the circle. Is everything okay? What’s wrong? Why are you here?

Detective Hawksworth, here on an officer exchange program, is from Derbyshire, England. He had gotten some sun recently, and his newly-tanned skin set off some hidden red in his dark brown curls as he stood. My heart fluttered a little when he smiled grimly at me.

Mrs. Baker, he said in his beautiful English accent, there isn’t much wrong. We are just asking questions of Mr. and Mrs. Russo about a party they went to last evening. We are nearly finished, if you and your children wouldn’t mind waiting outside for a few minutes.

Before we could move, Nonna said in her imperialistic voice used only when someone has truly irritated her, That won’t be necessary. Children, you go into the family room and play a video game or watch a movie. Danielle, she patted the arm of her chair, you come sit here with me. She turned a gimlet eye on the detective. Surely you don’t mind if Danielle stays with us for the few minutes you have left?

When she raised one eyebrow, Natalie turned a laugh into a cough and looked at her knees. Nonna was well and truly angry!

Nigel seemed to understand Nonna’s mood. He shrugged and sat on the sofa again.

I don’t mind, he answered. Now, he continued, did either of you go into the back room after 8:00 pm? That seems to be the last time you, sir, took a trip to the loo?

Papi said, Like I told you, I didn’t keep a weather eye on the clock –

But I did, interrupted Nonna. I knew what you were doing, Lorenzo Russo! You thought you were trying to make me feel guilty for being at a big shindig when you didn’t want to go. But really, you were drinking Leona Wainright’s homemade gooseberry wine! Don’t think I didn’t know!

Papi just smiled his sweet smile and nodded. It was pretty good, too.

Nonna clucked her tongue, and Natalie’s giggles got louder. Detective Hawksworth glanced irritably at her and continued his questions.

Did either of you go into the back room after 8:00 pm?

Nonna shook her head. No.

Officer Nicholls’s smile could be seen, even though he was trying to hide it as he took notes. Detective Hawksworth sighed and stood. Officer Nicholls stood, also, so Natalie and I stood with them. Nonna and Papi stayed in their chairs.

Detective Hawksworth smiled down at them and said, Thank you for giving us your time. We shall be back if we have any more questions. Nonna smiled and nodded. It looked like Papi had fallen into a catnap.

Natalie sat down on the sofa, so I walked the two officers to the door.

As we stood on the sidewalk, I asked, What happened, Nigel? Why were you questioning Natalie’s parents?

I NEARLY MELTED ON the spot when he smiled at me. Is your arriving here truly a coincidence, or did Natalie call you? Without allowing me to answer, he continued, "Those are two of the most frustrating elderly people I have ever met! They were putting on a show the entire time I was there!

And you! he turned on Officer Nicholls. You let them get to you!

Officer Nicholls looked miserable. "I’m sorry, sir, but they are funny!"

I put my hand on Detective Hawksworth’s arm. Nigel, they were scared. It’s how they cope with fear, they put on a show. I looked back at the house. I should go back and see if I can comfort them.

Nigel nodded. Yes, this truly has rattled them. He sighed as he said, Maybe they will be more forthcoming tomorrow.

He and Officer Nicholls strode up the street to the next house, and I re-entered Nonna and Papi’s little bungalow.

Chapter 2

It’s Gonna Take Weeks!

Mikey and Hannah were lying on the carpet in front of Nonna, telling her the saga of their water gun fight. Shelly sat on the arm of Papi’s chair, rubbing his hair and neck. The kids knew exactly what Nonna and Papi needed to distract them. But I was in no mood for distraction.

All right, I announced when Mikey came to the end of his story, I want to know exactly what’s been going on, why the police were here, and why Natalie thought I should come. I looked around the room. Who is going to start the story?

Papi started to cat nap again, and Nonna’s voice quavered, Well, sweet girl, I’m not sure I can tell you –

Oh, cut that out, both of you! I cut her off. Neither of you is in your dotage, and I’m not fooled by the act! Either tell me what is going on, or I’m walking out of here. And I’m taking my children with me!

Papi’s head came up, and he winked at me. He has a sweet smile. Nonna gently shook her head as she clicked her tongue. Child, you should not talk to your elders like that, she chided me.

I smiled and hugged her. I stand by my statement, Nonna. It must have been pretty awful for you to act like this. Please, will you tell me about it? Without acting so silly?

Nonna sighed and told me the story, with a little help from Papi. Stripped of their side issues and arguments, it came down to this: There had been a party the evening before. Arnold Shandy, a resident of the community, enjoyed himself for a couple of hours before he went into the back room for his jacket. A while later, he was discovered there.. The back of his head had been crushed.

Shelly gasped, and Hannah and Mikey went very still.

Nonna, Shelly asked, who found him? It wasn’t you and Papi, was it?

Nonna shook her head. No, sweetie. We all sighed in relief. Leona Wainright found him.

Nonna and Papi looked at each other and giggled. Seriously, they giggled like school children.

Mikey sat up. What’s funny!

Papi said, Leona Wainright always rains on everyone’s parade, so we call her Leona Rain Wrong. He chuckled. She certainly rained on our party last night!

Nonna said, Now, Lorenzo, that’s not quite fair to Leona. Someone else rained on our party by killing Arnold. Leona just found him.

Papi tsked.

Natalie had been sitting quietly on the couch. She stood and said, You two are incorrigible. I’m going home. She quickly kissed each parent on the tops of their heads. Looking at me, she mouthed, Call me.

I nodded, and she made sure the door didn’t slam.

Nonna sighed. That child has very little patience. Shaking herself like a dog, she continued in a cheerier tone, But I was able to meet that nice young detective of yours, dear. She twinkled up at me. He has a very nice voice. Baritone, isn’t it? And such curly hair! Like yours. And those dimples!

His hair is nothing like mine, Nonna, and you know it, I retorted. His curls are much bigger. And yes, he has a nice baritone voice.

And I do like his accent, Nonna continued pensively. And those broad shoulders of his. I think he must work out.

Shelly and Hannah laughed as I said, Natalie is right. You two are incorrigible! I think it’s time we go home.

Papi stirred just enough to protest, Don’t lump me in with her. I haven’t said a word!

Nonna just sighed and shook her head in mock reproof. But I could see she was still scared. And worried.

I knelt before her and said, Nonna, I will come back, and we can talk about last night, if you’d like to. I can see you’re worried, and I don’t want you to feel like you’re alone.

"Danielle, mia cara, thank you. You are a wonderful almost-daughter! I want to say that we will be alright, but I am worried, much as I don’t want to admit it. Please do come back soon. I’d really like to talk this over with you."

I promised and took the kids home.

WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN! Natalie demanded when I called her about 7:00 that evening.

Parenting, I answered. Want to take a walk?

Do chickens have lips? she retorted. Ten minutes!

I agreed and ran for my shoes. It had been a difficult drive home, and only the promise of pizza and ice cream could cheer up the kids. Underneath the bantering at dinner time, there was uneasiness. It had only been three months since Shelly’s classmate, Jamie, had been murdered, and the whole thing - the death, investigation, and Nigel’s injury during the arrest, had rocked their world. Another violent death this soon was bound to bring back traumatic memories. And nightmares.

Natalie must have started walking soon after we'd hung up the phone, because as I stepped outside, there she was, coming up my block. Her long, black hair was still pulled back in a low ponytail, and she still wore her business clothes. Her only concession to our walk was a pair of athletic shoes in classy tan. I sighed, determined not to be jealous of my petite, wealthy friend.

I couldn’t wait, she said, needlessly adding, I’m upset.

I hugged her, and she held on hard for longer than usual. I have no doubt you are, I answered when she finally released me. Tell me everything.

As we started our loop, Natalie said, Mom called me last night, all in a dither, because someone had died at the party. Well, I didn’t think that was too terribly unusual in an over-55 housing community. She glanced at me, and I nodded. She continued, But Mom was breathless and shaky, so I went over there to find out what the problem was. And when I got there, there were police everywhere, and I couldn’t even get inside the gates! So I had to walk the last couple of blocks. By the time I got to their house, I was pretty shaken up, too. I mean, Danielle, there were probably seven police cars, a couple of unmarked cars, a fire truck, a paramedic’s truck, and an ambulance!

Oh, dear, I commented. You must have thought . . . what did you think had happened?

I thought maybe they had had a shooting or something, she shivered. But instead, someone had been murdered.

A different way, I said quietly.

"Huh? Oh, yeah. I guess a shooter would have been murder, too. But this was quiet and in the house! Who commits murder where there are twenty or more people around? This person must be crazy!"

She broke off to smile and wave at Mr. Graham who used to own the hardware store. After his son gave a murderer the key to my house (my house! Where I sleep with my children!), he finally realized his only son would never make a good businessman, so he sold the store to his second cousin, also Mr. Graham. It’s confusing, but it’s a small town. What can I say?

Mom and Dad were pretty shaken up last night. They were feeling better this morning, she flapped her hands, until your detective showed up and started questioning them. And that young kid, what’s his name?

Officer Nicholls isn’t as young as he looks, I smiled. He does look about fifteen, though.

Yeah, him. Natalie scowled. He was taking notes, as if they were going to be used against my parents! I am so mad at them!

Is that why you called me? I asked. Because you thought I could do something about the note-taking and questioning? Because I have nothing to do with any of that, you know.

Natalie grinned. Well . . . It did do some good, you coming when you did, didn’t it?

I sighed. No, it didn’t. Not really. By the time I got there Nigel was already frustrated with the way your parents were acting. He will be back, you know.

Papa Jong was watering his lawn as we passed his house, so we waved and shouted good evening to him. He is a small Chinese-American man. Last spring, he started dating our friend, Peggy Sue, a large-boned, tall blonde who transplanted to Oregon from Mississippi many years ago. They’re a funny-looking couple, but they seem to be deeply in love.

I wonder if he and Peggy Sue are still dating, Natalie said.

Papa Jong shouted, Yes, we are! She’s the prettiest lady in this town! And we all laughed.

Natalie shouted back, You have the best hearing of anyone I know!

What? he answered, and we all laughed again.

Natalie sighed as we rounded the corner onto Main Street, her thoughts returning to her parents.. I know Nigel probably will, but I hope he doesn’t.

Cryptic but understandable, I answered. Maybe we can walk your parents through their statement before Nigel comes back with more questions. If they’re prepared, maybe it won’t be as hard on them.

We parted at Natalie’s house, and I walked the last two blocks in a pensive mood. I had so many unanswered questions! But as I neared my house, I smiled. Nigel’s car was in the driveway. Maybe he would answer some of these nagging thoughts!

And maybe he’ll just kiss you, my ornery mind said. I told it to shut up, but hope springs eternal.

Mom! Mikey shouted as I stepped into the house. Nigel is here, and he brought me a cool train set!

Nigel smiled from the living room. It isn’t your typical train set, he assured me. It’s a model train set, so it has to be assembled.

From scratch, Mom! Mikey hopped from foot to foot. "It’s gonna take weeks to put it together!" His eyes gleamed, and his smile nearly split his face.

I laughed and said, Well, maybe you should get started on it!

No, no, no, you have to look at it! Mikey insisted. So I quelled my curiosity about the murder in Nonna and Papi’s community and sat on the floor for several minutes. Nigel joined us as Mikey showed me nearly every component of the extensive set. Finally, Nigel and I moved into the kitchen as Mikey started assembling the first car.

That really will take him weeks to put together, I commented as I started both coffee makers. Back in April, when Nigel was investigating the murder of Shelly’s school mate (okay, I investigated, too), he bought a coffee maker for my house. He was spending a lot of time with us, investigating, and I only drink decaf, and he needed caffeine, and . . . well, he has his own coffee maker. I have often wondered if he wants it back, but even though I only see him once a week or so, maybe a little less, he still hasn’t taken it home. I wonder why, but I’m afraid to ask. And I’m a little hopeful that it means he wants to continue our friendship-slash-casual dating relationship.

Apologetically, Nigel answered, I hope you don’t mind me giving him a gift. I was going to ask you first, but you weren’t here, and I may have been as buzzed to give it to him as he was to receive it.

I laughed and said, It’s a wonderful gift, Nigel. Thank you! For thinking of him, for giving him a gift that is perfect for him, and for following through. Not a lot of men have taken time with my kids, and it’s . . . I struggled to find the words. It’s nice. No, it’s comforting? I sighed in frustration, then smiled. It blesses me that you did this for him.

Nigel grabbed me into his big bear hug. He didn’t say a word, just held me. His wife and children had been murdered more than ten years ago, and he didn’t have any children to shower with gifts anymore, so I know it blesses him, too, to have some kids to think of. We just stood that way for a couple of minutes, enjoying the warmth and support of another human who understood.

Can I join you, or is this a romantic kind of thing? We opened our arms, and Shelly walked into our hug.

Me, too? Hannah had walked in behind her sister, so we opened our other arms. Both girls laid their heads on Nigel’s shoulders and sighed contentedly.

Hey! Mikey said, What about me? And we all laughed as he launched himself at the small space between Shelly and Nigel and wiggled into the family hug.

WHAT HAPPENED AT THE party? I asked several minutes later. I set our mugs of coffee on the table, careful to give Nigel the caffeinated one.

He picked up his mug and took a sip. Nice. You do make good coffee.

Seriously? I asked, Or are you just trying to get me off-topic?

He chuckled. Seriously. Not everyone can make a good cup of coffee. Although I wish you would stay away from the investigation.

He put up a palm as I started to protest. I am well aware that that is not possible, however, because Natalie’s parents are involved. So, I will make a deal with you.

Chapter 3

I Must Have My Head Examined

N igel -

Now, hear me out! he hurried to say. I sat back and waited. I shall keep you informed of updates in the investigation if you will do your very best to stay away from anyone involved. Especially the suspects! You can help best by convincing Mr. and Mrs. Russo to cooperate with us. Their little act was entertaining. If you weren't just a simple copper trying to do his job.

I couldn’t help but smile. They’re nuts, I answered, and Nigel smiled back.

I shall enjoy getting to know them outside of work, he said.

I sighed. Thank you. For saying that about Nonna and Papi. And for promising to keep me informed on the investigation. I promise to do my best to stay away from anyone who may be a perpetrator.

And anyone else involved in the investigation? he prompted.

I can’t promise that, I answered. It was my turn to hold up my palm as he began to protest. Wait! Many of those people have become friends of mine through Nonna and Papi, and I won’t promise to stay away from my friends. They’re older and need us!

Nigel sat back. Is there anyone on earth who isn’t a friend of yours? he asked. It seems awfully convenient that these people are your friends. They don’t even live near you!

Nigel! I protested. I’ve known the Russos since college! And they introduce us to their friends when we visit. And my parents don’t live here, so Nonna and Papi have become my other parents. I love them! I will help them when, where, and how they need help!

Nigel had started to smile, and his smile widened to a grin. I do love your passionate championing of the people you love, he said quietly.

Oh, you! I got up and stomped into the kitchen for napkins we didn’t need. Breathe, Danielle, I told myself. Take his words at face value. So far, he has proven to be honest. I slapped the napkins onto the table and sat down again. Nigel was still smiling, and I couldn’t help but answer his smile.

Are you over your fit of pique? he asked. Because I do understand. And I shan’t obstruct you too much, unless I see that you may be wandering into the danger zone. Okay? I nodded, hopeful. And I shall feed you information. I nodded again, this time with a smile. But I expect information in return.

I promise, I said. And thank you, Nigel. Most detectives would put me in the looney bin for trying to help.

Well, you definitely belong there, he chuckled. "But your kids would –"

"Castrate you," Shelly said from the door. Hannah just grinned.

Oi! Nigel yelped.

You don’t say, ‘Oi’, I objected. His clipped English accent is much too posh.

I do when children start talking about unmentionables! Nigel retorted.

Shelly and Hannah giggled and pounded up the stairs.

They hear too much, Nigel said, standing. Let’s take a drive.

My hopeful heart skipped a beat, and I nodded, telling Mikey we were off. He was too focused on his train set to really hear me, so I ran lightly up the stairs to tell the girls.

In the car, we talked about my writing, a couple of the cases Nigel had investigated since our own local murder, and the kids’ summer activities. Our little town is just north of Harrisburg, Oregon, which is just north of Junction City, which is a few miles north of Eugene. Our little town of Jewel (population 1,021) is often ignored by maps, GPS, and the county, and we like it that way. Surrounded by fields of grass seed and bordered by the Willamette River, we are fond of our rural community.

Nigel stopped the car at the city park which overlooks the river. I looked around and said, Um, might we drive out into the country a little, instead of sitting here?

Are you worried about your reputation? Nigel teased, but he started the car anyway. Someone may wonder if I’m proposing to you, might they?

I laughed, Or they may interrupt us for a neighborly visit, and I won’t get to hear about the murder. And if I don’t find out what’s going on, I’m not going to sleep tonight!

What do you think about when you can’t sleep? Nigel asked.

I felt my face grow hot and hoped he couldn’t see it in the fading dusk. A lot of things, I answered evasively. What do you think about when you can’t sleep?

He sighed. It’s rare that I can’t sleep. For a few years after . . . .my family . . . , I would think of Elizabeth and the boys – my wife, you know, I nodded. But eventually, I didn’t think of them as often, and I began to think about work. Now, I think about the people I’ve met since coming to America. He turned his head and looked at me. I felt my face grow hot again as my stomach did flip flops. I hoped he meant what I thought he meant.

I smiled. I hope your middle-of-the-night thoughts are enjoyable now.

He smiled back. Oh, very much, yes.

We were silent until he pulled into the entrance to a farmer’s field. We stopped short of the farmer’s crop, just past the gate but off the road, and the view was fantastic! A half moon rode the sky above the gently waving field of ryegrass. There was one tree off to the right.

If only the camera on my phone took good nighttime photos! I breathed. Nigel reached over and took my hand. I glanced at him, but he was looking at the field, too.

It’s beautiful, he agreed. My stomach did flip-flops again. Nighttime in farm country can be stimulating! I still wanted to know what had happened at Nonna and Papi’s party, but I was willing to wait a little longer and enjoy this moment.

After a few minutes, Nigel turned and looked at me. He lifted my hand and kissed the palm. Then he turned it over and kissed each finger. Slowly, he reached with his other hand to draw my face to his. His lips were warm and soft on mine, and he tasted good. The gentleness of his kiss lasted only a moment, though, and he slipped his other arm around me as he pressed his mouth against mine, lighting a long-dormant fire.

We were breathless when we pulled back. He grabbed my hand again, and we stared at the beautiful night as our hearts and breathing slowed.

Finally, Nigel cleared his throat and began to talk. The do at the over-55s began at 5:00 pm. It was held at the community center, as you know and was hosted by Leona Wainright and Ulysses D. Grant. He turned to look at me. Who was Ulysses Grant? Everyone smiles when they say the name, and I know I’ve heard it before . . .

Ulysses S. Grant was a Union general in the American Civil War and 18th president of the United States, I answered automatically. Nigel looked surprised at my quick answer. I smiled and said, Homeschool mom.

And writer of historical novels, he answered with a smile. Anyway, the two don’t seem to get along very well, but they did manage to throw a pretty lively party for a retirement community.

"I believe someone brought some