Santa's Sweetheart (The Christmas Tree Ranch #4)(41)
Over sliced carrots, mushrooms, and canned water chestnuts, Grace’s story emerged. Jess listened, mostly in silence, her dark eyes warm with sympathy.
“The first time he called me into his office, I was just annoyed,” Grace said. “After today, I’m scared. Ed Judkins could make up some charge and put it on my record. No one would question his word. I’d be ruined.”
“You say he didn’t touch you.”
“Not this time. And any threats he made were just implied. I know sexual harassment when I hear it. But I have no proof. Even if I did, he could dismiss it as a misunderstanding. He’s got all the power. What can I do, Jess?”
Jess stirred the freshly cut vegetables. “It sounds as if he’s being careful not to give you any proof. I’m guessing he might have done something like this before. I agree that you don’t have enough on him to file a complaint—or even threaten to. He might give up and decide to look elsewhere. But in case he doesn’t, you need to protect yourself. First of all, as soon as possible, write down everything that’s happened, exact dates and times, exactly what was said. Going forward, keep a record of everything. If he so much as looks at you, write it down. If Judkins does cross the line, at least you’ll have something to back up your story.”
“That makes sense.” Grace found the soy sauce in the cupboard and sprinkled it over the vegetables. “But it isn’t proof. It would still be my word against his.”
“That’s why I’m going to suggest something more theatrical. Do you happen to have a mini cassette recorder?”
“I’m not sure. Maybe somewhere—”
“Never mind, I’ve got one you can borrow. Keep it close, in a pocket, where you can reach it.”
Grace gave a little gasp. “Oh, my stars, you’re not kidding, are you? This is like something out of the movies.”
Jess’s lips twitched in a faint smile. “If he corners you or invites you into his office, turn it on. But be aware that you can’t lead him on or encourage him in any way. What he does and says has to be his idea. Otherwise, it’s entrapment. Understood?”
“Understood.” Grace stared at her friend as awareness struck her. “You’ve done something like this before, haven’t you, Jess?”
“Maybe. But that’s all you’re going to get from me. We’re all entitled to our little secrets.” Jess turned away, toward the sink, then glanced back. “I’d rather you didn’t tell Wynette about this conversation. She’s a darling, but maybe a little too curious. Okay?”
“Of course.”
“The cassette recorder will be under your pillow when you get home tonight.”
“Thanks. I’ll set the table.”
Grace’s hands trembled slightly as she arranged three place settings. When she’d asked her roommate for advice, she’d gotten a lot more than she’d bargained for. She glanced back at Jess, who was checking the rice on the stove. Who was this woman? What was she doing in a place like Branding Iron?
For now, Grace would have to be content with not knowing.
*
Sam kissed Maggie good-bye and watched as she rang the McDermotts’ doorbell and was warmly welcomed into the house. She had begged to go to tonight’s meeting of the Christmas ball committee. But Sam had stood firm.
“The meeting is for grown-ups, Maggie,” he’d said. “Besides, I need to go by Hank’s place afterward and make sure he goes to his AA meeting. If he drags his heels, I might even need to go with him.”
“Why do people drink, Daddy?” she’d asked.
“Lots of reasons.” Sam remembered his college days, the wild parties, and later, after he’d blown out his knee, the mind-numbing effect of a few drinks. He’d never been a full-fledged alcoholic, but he’d come close.
“Some people drink because their friends do it, or because they think it’s fun to get drunk and act stupid. But people like Hank drink because they’re sad or hurting. Drinking helps them forget the pain. That’s one reason it’s so hard to quit. But Hank is trying. That’s why I want to help him.”
“Did you ever drink?”
“Years ago when I was young and not very smart. Then I met your mom, and she made me want to quit. So I did.”
“I’ll never drink, Daddy.”
“Good for you. Now run along.”
He drove his own truck back to the city building. Maggie was so easy now. What would she be like as a headstrong teenager? Would he still be doing his best to manage her on his own, or would they be members of a new family?
What would the years ahead be like? Would Grace be part of those years? He liked the idea. But Grace was struggling with issues of her own. He might be ready for her. But would she ever be ready for him?
Tonight he arrived ahead of her. He was pouring himself some coffee when she walked in with Buffy Burton. She looked preoccupied, he thought. Could it have something to do with him? No doubt that idea had sprung from male vanity. Grace had a busy life. There were plenty of other things she could have on her mind.
She gave him a smile and a nod as she took her seat. There was no time for the two of them to talk, which was just as well. What would they have to say to each other?
The mayor called the meeting to order. His wife, her blond hair freshly bleached and curled, stood to read the minutes. She cleared her throat, then paused to gaze around the table, her plump face beaming. “Before I begin, we have a special surprise for someone here tonight. Sam, would you please stand?”