Lone Wolf Read online

  ****

  Thomas felt the vibration of his telephone in his pocket. The kids were watching a sitcom on TV and it was turned up rather loud. He stood up and retrieved the phone, walking into the kitchen so as not to disturb his children as he checked the identity of the caller. He frowned. Unknown number.

  He hit the talk button. “Hello?”

  “Hi, Thomas. It’s Nicole.”

  His brows rose. “Oh. Hi, Nicole.”

  “You sound surprised.”

  “I am,” he admitted. “But not unpleasantly so. What’s up?”

  “I’ve been thinking more about what we talked about on Saturday. You seem to have a lot of background in helping out First Nations communities, and according to my mother, the committee formed to look into things isn’t making much progress. I thought maybe you could do something. At least point us in the right direction.”

  “Well…it’s true, I have had a lot of experience dealing with various levels of government, but most of that is setting up businesses or other projects. They probably need to consult a lawyer and I am definitely not that.”

  “But you probably know a few good lawyers. Ones that would be sympathetic to our cause.”

  Thomas nodded, even though she couldn’t see him do so. “Yes, that’s true.”

  “Excellent. I knew you’d be the person to call.”

  He laughed. “I haven’t done anything yet. I know a guy up in Saskatoon that has had a lot to do with land claims. He’s the first one that comes to mind, but he’s pretty sought after and might not be willing to take on your case. There is a lot of research that needs to be done first, if I’m right.”

  “And you probably know someone who could help with that, too.”

  Thomas smiled. “Well…as a matter of fact, I do.”

  “A man with connections. Just what I like.”

  Thomas rubbed the back of his neck. “Right. I’ll make a few calls and get back to you tomorrow.”

  “Sounds good. I’m at work all day every day, it seems, and then I like to spend some time with Maggie, so it has to be after nine, if that’s okay.”

  “Sure. I’m in the same boat. Is this the best number to call?”

  “Yes. This is my cell number.”

  “Good.” He hesitated, not wanting to end the call but having nothing else to say. “Right. Well, I’ll call you tomorrow evening.”

  They hung up and Thomas re-pocketed the phone. He sauntered back to the living room and flopped down on the couch beside Whisper.

  “Who was that?” Ryder asked.

  “Oh, just business,” Thomas said.

  “You look awfully happy about it, whatever it was,” Ryder observed.

  Thomas put his arm around Whisper and snuggled her close. He couldn’t help the smile he knew was on his face. Why shouldn’t he smile? He had just set himself up to work with the beautiful Dr. Ducharme on a project that could take months.

  ****

  At precisely nine o’clock the next night, Thomas called Nicole. He’d managed to contact Allan Spence, a well-known lawyer in Saskatoon who had experience working with First Nations groups and who also happened to be Cree. “Of course, your group would have to contact him and set something up, but he definitely sounded interested. The scenario at Jackfish Landing is just the kind of thing that Spence gravitates toward. He doesn’t mind stirring up the pot, so to speak.”

  “That sounds excellent. I’ll let my uncle know right away,” Nicole responded. “He’s the one trying to get something going up there. I’m not sure how organized they are, though.”

  “That’s probably something Allan Spence could help with, too—for a fee of course. I also know someone else who might be able to help out in that regard. She and I worked together on a project once in Manitoba, and she’s really good at finding and collating data.”

  “She? Should I be jealous?”

  Thomas blinked, tongue-tied for a second. “No, I—”

  Nicole’s laughter tinkled on the other end of the line. “Relax! I’m just teasing, of course.”

  “Of course.” Thomas cleared his throat and sat up straighter in his chair.

  “So who is this other person?” Nicole asked, all business again.

  “Sandy Beaufort. I’ll email you her contact info.”

  “Thanks.”

  There was a brief moment of silence. It seems they had run out of things to say, but Thomas was hesitant to hang up so soon. He shifted the receiver to the other ear. “Um, how’s Maggie?”

  “Fine. She’s in bed. And your kids?”

  “They’re fine, too.” Thomas took a deep breath before continuing. “So, Maggie’s dad…I take it he’s out of the picture?” He glanced up at the ceiling, noting a spider web that hung in one corner.

  “What makes you think that?” Nicole asked.

  Thomas was glad she couldn’t see the heat rising up his neck. “Sorry. I just assumed—”

  Nicole laughed again. “Yes. He’s totally out of the picture. He was never really in it to begin with.”

  Thomas expelled a breath. “Oh, good. I mean, that’s too bad…” He frowned, frustrated with his own tongue-tied state.

  “Yeah, it was one of those stupid spur-of-the-moment things while I was still in college. I had already decided which path my life was on and so had he. It never would have worked out, so we just cut the strings altogether.”

  “Does he see Maggie? Have any kind of contact? If you don’t mind me asking, that is.”

  “No. He couldn’t afford child support at first and now I make more than him anyway, so it’s just easier not to bother.”

  “Doesn’t Maggie wonder about her father?”

  “Not really. At least not yet, anyway. It’s not like I’m keeping him from her and when the time is right and she asks about it, I’ll give her any contact information I know. For now, we’re pretty content. Just me and my girl.”

  “That’s the best way, I guess.”

  “What about you?” Nicole asked. “You haven’t mentioned anything about a wife or partner.”

  “My wife died of cancer five years ago,” Thomas replied. “So it’s just me and the kids.”

  “Oh. I’m sorry to hear that.” She hesitated. “But I assumed as much. I couldn’t imagine a woman in her right mind letting you get away. And if she was around, she’d probably be jealous of a strange woman calling you so late. I know I would be.”

  Thomas blinked, uncertain what to make of what she’d just said. She was flirting; he had no doubt.

  “I seem to have left you speechless. How about we get together again this weekend? I’m free both days. You could bring the kids and we could make it an outing for them as well.”

  “Are you asking me out on a date?” Thomas asked.

  “I think maybe I am.” There was laughter in her voice. “Although having kids underfoot might make it questionable.”

  “Well, I think it sounds like a great idea. I’d love for our girls to meet.”

  “A date it is, then.”

  After exchanging particulars, they hung up. Thomas smiled at the irony of the situation. He was about to spend an entire day with his dentist. And he was looking forward to every minute of it.

  Chapter Three

  Saturday rolled around and Thomas drove into Regina with Whisper in tow. Ryder had other plans, and Thomas was actually grateful for that. He wasn’t sure how much fun hanging out at a kid’s play park would be for his teenage son. This way, the girls could meet and play, and he and Nicole would be free to get to know one another without more eyes on them than necessary.

  They met at a well-known restaurant that also had a play area, and after ordering their food, they found a seat in the rather noisy kids’ section. Nicole slid in beside Thomas on a plastic bench, leaving the opposite bench for the girls. “No playing until you eat something first,” Nicole directed at Maggie.

  The little girl plunked herself down beside Whisper, and Nicole proceeded to unload the food tray.
Thomas was hyperaware of Nicole’s close proximity as she distributed the girls’ boxed meals. The alluring scent of her perfume, the brush of her sleeve against his own. It was the least romantic of settings, yet his senses were in overdrive. Finally, she settled herself back against her own seat and opened the paper on her sandwich.

  “Aren’t we gonna pray?” Whisper turned expectant eyes to her father.

  “Oh. Of course.” Nicole set her sandwich back down on its paper wrap and placed her hands in her lap. “You go ahead.”

  Thomas could feel the heat rising up his neck, but he dutifully closed his eyes. “God, we thank you for this food and ask that you would bless it to our bodies’ use. Amen.” He opened his eyes and noticed that Nicole still had hers closed.

  “And thank you for bringing new friends into our lives,” she added, followed by, “Amen.” When she opened her eyes, they were shining brightly, almost like there was a sheen of moisture in them. “Okay, eat up, girls.” Her voice and movements were suddenly brisk.

  They ate their meal, the girls giggling like they were old friends. To a casual onlooker, they were a happy family. Finally, the girls scampered away to play in the playground, leaving only their drinks behind.

  “They seem to be getting along well,” Nicole observed. Their bench seat was against the wall with a full view of the playground.

  “Yes.” Thomas looked down at the mess of paper and cardboard on the table in front of him. “Um, I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable earlier. About praying, I mean. Whisper’s used to it at home.”

  “That’s perfectly okay,” Nicole said. “I’m actually ashamed that I didn’t think of it first. I’m a Christian but I usually don’t think to pray in public, that’s all.”

  Thomas looked up, his eyes wide. “You’re a Christian?”

  She nodded and took a sip from her straw, her gaze meeting his over the rim of her paper cup. “That surprises you?”

  A smile crossed Thomas’s lips. “Yeah, actually.”

  “In a good way or a bad way?” She set her cup down on the table.

  “Good way.” He laughed. “I’m getting used to this line of questioning.”

  “So tell me how you came to know Jesus?” Nicole asked.

  Thomas took a sip from his paper cup of steaming coffee before answering. “The short version is I met Jesus at a camp meeting. I was in a pretty low place in my life and I’m not even sure why I went since I was blasted drunk at the time. But I did and I got saved. How about you?”

  “Some traveling missionaries came to our community. They did Vacation Bible School and stuff like that. I gave my life to Christ at a young age, but I didn’t always live like it. It was sometime after I had Maggie that I rededicated my life. I’m sure there are those that look down on me because I’m a single mother, but I don’t care. Maggie is the best thing that’s happened to me after Jesus, and as long as He and I are solid, it doesn’t really matter what other people think.”

  “I couldn’t agree more.”

  Nicole cocked her head to one side. “You’re a good dad, you know that?”

  Thomas shrugged, trying not to show how the comment filled him with pride. “I try. Parenting is definitely a learning experience.”

  “That it is. My own mom was a great example for me, though. She was a very hard worker but also very loving and kind.”

  “And your dad?” Thomas asked.

  Nicole furrowed her brow. “He tried. I mean, they’re still together, which is something, but I don’t think he really knew how to be a father. He used to drink a lot, and then when he sobered up, he’d already missed getting to know us, I think.”

  “My father drank a lot, too,” Thomas offered. “His way of coping after residential school. It didn’t make for a happy childhood for my sister and me. But we survived.”

  “You just have the one sister?”

  Thomas nodded. “Unfortunately, she drinks a lot, too. Life’s been hard on her and her three kids. I wish I could help more, but they live in Saskatoon and…Well, I’ve kept my distance for the kids’ sake. Selfish, I know, but no amount of help can change someone if they aren’t willing.”

  “Tough love.”

  “Something like that.” He shifted in his seat and gazed out at the playground. Whisper came whizzing down a brightly colored tubular slide, followed by Maggie. He took a deep breath, tried for a smile and refocused on the beautiful woman sitting next to him. “They’re having a blast. Thanks for inviting us.”

  “My pleasure. We’ll have to do it again.”

  “I’d like that.”

  “Oh! I forgot to tell you the good news.” Nicole placed her hand on Thomas’s sleeve. He could feel the heat of it rippling up his arm as he met her gaze. “Your lawyer friend, Allan Spence, has agreed to take on our case at Jackfish Landing.”

  The excitement in Nicole’s eyes was contagious and Thomas smiled. “That is good news.”

  “Yes. I’m not sure how quickly things will progress, but I feel better knowing that someone with clout is backing us.” Her hand was still on his forearm and suddenly both of their eyes went to where it lay. She withdrew her hand slowly and reached for her cup.

  Thomas cleared his throat. “Great.”

  “It sounds like your other friend Sandy is on board, too.”

  “You’ll definitely see progress, then, if I know Sandy.” Thomas hesitated for a just a moment. “Sounds like cause for a celebration.”

  “Exactly what I was thinking.” Nicole lifted her paper cup in a salute and they clicked, paper to paper. “How about dinner this Friday?”

  Thomas’s eyebrows rose. “Um, okay. That sounds great.”

  Nicole frowned slightly and surveyed Thomas out of squinted eyes. “Oops. Did I overstep my boundaries? You look…unsure.”

  “Not at all. I’d love to have dinner. Most definitely.”

  “Then what is it?” she asked.

  Thomas smiled sheepishly. “Just that I was supposed to ask you on the next date. Now you’ve beat me two for two.”

  Nicole laughed. “I told you I was forward. Sorry about that.”

  “I like it. At least I know exactly where you stand. The next question is, where? There’s not a lot of choice in Marshdale and since I’d have to drive anyway, I don’t mind coming into the city again.”

  “Okay. That works for me. Were you thinking of bringing the kids?”

  Thomas glanced over at the girls. They were buried to the waist in plastic balls, pretending to swim through them. He looked back at Nicole. “How about no kids this time? Ryder can stay with Whisper. He hasn’t done much babysitting lately and since he’ll be moving out of the house after graduation, I better get some use out of him before it’s too late.” He grinned.

  “Sounds like a plan. I’ll arrange a sitter for Maggie, too.”

  Maggie and Whisper both came running to the table and grabbed their drinks, taking long swallows before running back into the fray of clamoring children. Thomas watched them, a feeling of contentment like he hadn’t experienced recently overtaking every other emotion. This felt so comfortable. So right. He let his mind wander to the possibilities.

  ****

  For the rest of the week, Thomas and Nicole settled into a routine of nightly calls, usually after nine when the girls had gone to bed. The weekend rolled around again, and Thomas pulled up to Nicole’s house at seven-thirty on Friday night. She lived in an older neighborhood of Regina near the legislative buildings. Nicole’s home was not as large as some but it still had character, with a steeply pitched roof, shutters, and a quaint facade reminiscent of a gingerbread house.

  He parked on the narrow street and walked up the cement path to the front door. He adjusted his tie as he rang the bell, hoping he hadn’t overdressed. He wore a white shirt, which contrasted with his dark hair and complexion, and a pair of casual dress slacks in a dark gray color. He often wore button-up shirts, but jeans were his standard and he definitely wasn’t used to the tie. He only wore
those for business meetings.

  Thomas heard the deadbolt unlatch and then the front door swung open. Nicole stood there in a strapless black cocktail dress, her hair piled on her head and silver earrings twinkling at her lobes. He blinked, shutting his mouth on purpose. She was nothing less than stunning. “Come on in. I’m just giving the sitter some last-minute instructions.”

  Thomas stepped inside and shut the door behind him. He waved at Maggie, who was sitting on the hardwood floor in front of a small TV. “Hi.”

  “Hi.” Her eyes didn’t stray from the set.

  Thomas found his way to a nearby settee and perched on it, hands clasped between his knees as he waited. The room was small but cozy. There was a fireplace against one wall with bookshelves on either side. Nicole had retreated to the kitchen and was giving the babysitter a rundown of expectations. When she was through, she emerged in the doorway between the two rooms. “Well, I guess we’re ready.”

  Thomas stood up. Nicole walked toward him and grabbed a shawl that had been tossed across the back of the settee and placed it around her shoulders. Her shoulders were slim and shapely, her neck long and smooth. He cleared his throat and focused his attention on the fireplace across the room. Much safer.

  “Come give me a kiss,” Nicole instructed her daughter. Maggie jumped up and ran to her mother. Nicole barely had time to place a peck on the child’s cheek before the little girl was back in her spot on the floor, absorbed in her TV program. “Doesn’t look like she’s too worried about my absence this evening.”

  Thomas grinned. “Kids.”

  “Be good,” Nicole called as she stepped over the threshold. “And lock the door behind us.”

  Thomas followed Nicole out the front door and heard the deadbolt being locked behind them, presumably by the babysitter. He placed his hand along the small of her back as he guided her toward his waiting SUV. “You look beautiful this evening,” he ventured. He opened her door.