Heart of Clay (The Tanner Series Book 6) Read online

  Heart of Clay

  By: Jo Willow

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter One

  He was already late, Mitch Tanner did not need a ringing telephone to deal with.

  “It’s Mitch, I’m late, start talking.”

  “Mitch, it’s Beth. I won’t keep you, come for dinner. It’ll be on the table at six.”

  “I’ll be there Beth. I’ll call you this afternoon hon’.”

  “I’ll be home all day. Have a good one.”

  “You too. Bye.”

  Mitch grabbed his keys and his insulated travel mug of hyper-octane coffee and left via the back door. He smiled when he thought about his neighbor and friend. Beth understood what “start talking” meant. They’d been friends since she moved in and he even enjoyed her two kids. Scott and Patty were good kids, they were just shell-shocked.

  Mitch took the time to reminisce while he was stuck in Savannah traffic. He’d already called his boss and was assured the job site was starting late, so he relaxed and sipped his coffee while he crept closer. He thought of Beth and the kids and he made a mental note to grab a bottle of wine and some sparkling cider for dinner tonight.

  Beth Hamilton Stone moved into the old Harper place next door, six years earlier. Scott was toddling and Patty hadn't even been born. Beth had just turned twenty-one. Her husband Brian left her when he found out she was pregnant with Patty and never looked back. She waited six months, then filed for divorce. When that was final, she invested in the broken down mess that sat on the adjoining five acres next to his place.

  When he and Rae went over to welcome the new neighbor, Scott was crying over a broken bicycle and Beth was crying in the bathroom with an oversized wrench in her hand. He lined out Beth’s leaky faucet while Rae made lunch. When the bathroom was in good working order, he fixed Scott’s bicycle. They’d been friends ever since.

  Even in early Spring, Savannah can get hot. It’s always humid, and it makes the heat oppressive. Mitch was welding on a job site at a new mini-mall off of four-oh-five near the Botanical Gardens. He lived on the river not far from Richmond Hills so on a normal day, the commute wouldn’t have been so bad.

  This morning however, he had to go all the way into the city because he had to pick up a check. Marla Simms owned an art gallery called, “The Loft”, and displayed his pottery almost exclusively.

  He whipped his truck into a parking space out front and waltzed into the chic, upscale store wearing his work boots, jeans, and a Gibson Guitars t-shirt Rae had given him. His tousled sandy blonde hair was clean but windblown and his blue eyes made him look like he had to be related to Paul Newman somewhere down the line. His easy smile and southern gentleman demeanor made women look twice; his no nonsense, hard working ethics made men respect him. Marla just wanted him naked. It made him uncomfortable, but he’d managed to avoid her advances for years.

  Marla met him at the door. Tall and pencil thin, she wore designer suits, Jimmy Choo heels and fragrances created just for her. Her coal black hair hung long and straight and her contact lenses made her eyes look smokey gray. She was a head-turner and Mitch didn’t mind the view from the cheap seats, but he knew he was nowhere close to her league and he couldn’t afford her even if he could satisfy her. His lifestyle was simple and he liked it that way. In another few years he hoped to be surviving on his pottery alone and Marla was helping him make that happen. He planned on keeping her sweet until he was ready to strike out on his own.

  “Marla, you look hotter than a pistol girl. Are you reeling in anyone special today?”

  Her throaty laugh turned heads in the gallery, just as it was designed to do. She’d seen him pull in and she handed him an envelope.

  “You’ll be pleased with me Mitch. I sold that medicine jar, the vase, and that beautiful blue glazed piece you experimented with. Mrs. Dawson is asking for more with that technique when you have time. She couldn’t stop gushing over it. If you’re free for dinner, we could discuss it in detail.”

  Marla adjusted his collar even though it didn’t need adjusting. Mitch knew she often found superfluous reasons to touch him. He allowed it up to a point before he found a tactful way to leave.

  “It’s not nice to tempt the talent Marla, you’d swallow me whole and we both know it. I’ve gotta get to work. I’m late already and it’s a clear ten miles in the other direction. I’ve got plans for dinner but I’ll take a raincheck.”

  He was heading for the door while he was talking.

  “I’ll call you with a delivery date on some more of the blue stuff.”

  He managed to escape with minimal damage and his virtue intact. He stowed the envelope behind the visor and shifted the truck into reverse. He backed out and hauled ass back the way he came.

  By five o’clock, Mitch was filthy and exhausted. He ached everywhere except his eyelids and he was more than ready to call it a day. He climbed back into his truck and began his short trip home. He reckoned he had just enough time to stop at the Liquor Mart and the Piggly Wiggly for the non-alcoholic stuff. On a whim, he bluetoothed Beth.

  “Hey Mitch, what’s up?”

  “Beth, I’m stopping for wine and the sparkly stuff for the kids. I’ll be at the P.W. anyway, is there anything else you need?”

  “God love you Mitch Tanner, if you could pick up a gallon of milk and some Frosted Flakes I’ll owe you a backrub.”

  “Can I cash in tonight? I just had the day from hell. I swear Beth, I don’t know how I can still get into some of those positions. I’m getting too old for this crap.”

  Beth’s laughter was melodic and he smiled.

  “I’ll put some stones in the warmer and set the table up. I’ll have you right as rain in no time. See you in a bit. Oh, Mitch? I baked a ham for dinner. I thought you could take some home for sandwiches too.”

  “Ham? With the tiny peas?”

  “And the scalloped potatoes you like.”

  “It’s too hot to be Christmas and my birthday isn’t until August. You need a new roof, right?”

  She laughed again and Mitch felt himself loosening up just knowing he was going to relax with a good friend and a massage tonight.

  “My roof is fine. I just wanted to thank you for everything you do around here for me and the kids. You’ve always been a good friend and you won’t let me pay you. Dinner and massages are the least I can do.”

  “Scott and Patty are great kids and you’re my best critic. I’ll see you in a little while. Bye.”

  Beth hung up and went to gather her supply of river rocks. She placed them in the warmer she’d saved almost a year for and added three thick towels. She’d taken a huge chance when she took her savings and invested it in the Massage therapy course at the Vo-tech, but now she made enough money to pay all the bills and still put some aside for the kids’ education. She hadn’t heard from Brian in six years and didn’t expect to. If her kids were going to have a better life, then she’d have to be the one to provide it.

  She worked double shifts at the River Run diner to make ends meet until she’d finished the course. Now she was able to be there for the kids when they got home from school every day and she tuck
ed them in at night. They were still young enough to be happy with discount store clothing and second-hand bikes. They didn’t have much, but they had what they needed and they never went to bed hungry.

  She set up her massage table and draped her softest fleece throw over it. She put a clean pillow slip on a pillow she took off of her own bed, and placed it at the head of the table. Four candles graced pillar stands and Mitch had installed the dimmer switch in the room himself at her request. When her private clients came for massages, she worked in this room. She turned the lights down to a warm glow and closed the door.

  Beth was taking the potatoes out of the oven when Mitch walked in without knocking, carrying shopping bags. The kids ran to meet him and he yelled a greeting to her in the kitchen.

  “Beth Marie someone untied the kids!”

  She came around the corner smiling and Mitch couldn’t help but smile back. She was five-foot-two with big green eyes and dark red hair. The smattering of freckles across her nose made her look sweet and young and her easy grace put him at ease. She wore a sleeveless cotton blouse and black capri pants. Her ballet flats were functional and no-nonsense. She took two of the shopping bags from him and peeked inside one.

  “You brought cake? Chocolate cake? You’re after something. If it’s my virtue, you’re too late but you can have one of the kids. I’ve gotta warn you, one’s sneakier than the other so choose wisely.”

  At just over six feet, he towered over her and slipped his free arm around her shoulder. He let her lead him into the kitchen and they put the bags on the counter. He started unloading and putting things away. She took out the cork screw and opened the wine, she poured the cider for the kids. When he was done and the bags were stowed he turned to see her watching him.

  “What is it?”

  “You really are hurting, I can see it. Where is it the worst?”

  “My shoulders. I had to work with my arms over my head almost all day.”

  The food was on the table and she carried the wine while he carried the cider. They took their customary spots and she served the kids. While they were eating, she stood and walked behind Mitch’s chair. He thought she was going into the kitchen for something, so he took a bite of ham and a sip of wine. He felt her fingers dig into his shoulders and he sunk down into the chair.

  The knots were numerous and it took a good fifteen minutes to work them out, but he relaxed against her with his eyes closed. When she’d gotten what she could reach, she kissed him on the cheek and sat back down.

  “We’ll finish the rest up after dinner. Better at least?”

  Mitch turned tired but happy eyes to her and gave her a lazy nod and a smile.

  “Eat your dinner magic lady. You’re my new best friend. Rae Anne will cry herself to sleep, but it can’t be helped.”

  Beth grinned and stabbed a piece of ham.

  After dinner, Beth cleaned the kitchen while Mitch helped Scott with his math homework. Patty sat on his lap coloring in a coloring book at the table. Even tired and sore, Mitch was patient and kind. Beth noticed that every now and then while Scott was working on a problem, Mitch would smile at Patty who would grin shyly back. He kissed her on the cheek and she continued coloring. She’d of given anything if it had been Brian showing interest in his children instead of the next door neighbor.

  Once the homework was stowed and the kitchen was set to rights, she scooped Scotty up and Mitch carried Patty. He knew the routine and had participated in it at least twice a week for as long as the kids could remember. Mitch was the strongest male figure either child had ever had in their lives and Beth saw Scott mimic some of Mitch’s mannerisms on occasion. It always tugged at her heart and made her smile.

  After teeth were brushed and prayers were said, they were tucked into bed with a story and a kiss goodnight. The adults met in the hall and did a quiet high-five. Mitch once again draped his arm around her shoulders and leaned down to whisper.

  “Race you to the guest room.”

  Beth crinkled her nose and gave him an appraising look.

  “As beat to shit as you are this evening, you’re not racing anybody anywhere. Come on old man, I’ll help you down the hall.”

  “Hey now, I’m only a few years older than you. I remember when you were still in a cheerleader costume heckling football players. Don’t be telling me I’m old.”

  He opened the door to the guest room and started undressing while she lit the candles. When he was down to his underwear, he wrapped one of the towels around his waist and laid face down on the table. They’d followed this same routine once a week from the time she used him to practice on while still in school, to this very night.

  She took the stones from the warmer and placed them on his bare back at precise intervals. He groaned and relaxed, hugging the pillow. She turned on the music and adjusted the volume. She started with his legs while the stones worked their magic.

  “Beth do you remember my cousin Kevin?”

  “Stick-up-his-ass-control-freak Kevin?”

  “That would be him, yes. His wife Carie used to be a massage therapist. She worked her way through nursing school doing this.”

  “Get out!”

  “Seriously.”

  “He had a little too much to drink at the christening for Rae and James’ kids and told me that that’s how she snagged him. She got him naked on a massage table and had her wicked way with him.”

  “Did he now? And you believed him?”

  “Hell I don’t know, do I? That branch of the family has always been a little stranger than the other branches. Our dads were brothers, but his dad was a heart surgeon. Mine was a contractor. His mom was some hotshot investment something or other and mine was a den mother. How can you have that much money and not be a little whacked out?”

  “I wouldn’t know. There’s not a dime anywhere in my family Mitch. Mom and dad are good people and did the best they could, but we never had a whole lot. They worked hard for every dime and so do I. I guess I always will.”

  “Does that ever bother you Beth? Surely your life would be easier if you married again or if things had worked out with Brian.”

  “You know, I don’t know that to be true. Brian liked to drink and run around with his friends. He spent almost everything he made and acted like he didn’t have a son or a baby on the way. Even when I was married I was lonely, so I don’t see much difference except I don’t have to keep a plate warm in the oven anymore. Don’t you ever get lonely?”

  “Me? Nah. I’ve got you and the kids or Rae and James to pal around with. I’ve always got something going on in the barn or a job to go to. I stay too busy to get lonely.”

  Beth had finished with his legs and removed the stones from his back. She warmed a small pool of scented oil in her hands and rubbed them together. She stood at his head and started once again with his shoulders. When the knots were gone, she moved to his shoulder blades and repeated the process.

  This went on a good thirty minutes until she got to the small of his back. She’d been so deep in concentration, she hadn’t noticed that they’d stopped talking. She listened closely and heard the sound of his deep sleep-breathing. He’d been so exhausted, he’d fallen asleep while she worked on him.

  She took the warm wet towel from the warmer and gently applied it to his back, wiping the oil from his skin. When she was finished, Beth faced a dilemma. She hated to wake him, but he’d wake up stiffer than a board if she let him sleep on the table. She came up with a logical compromise in her opinion and leaned down to whisper in his ear.

  “Mitch? Sweetheart wake up and come with me.”

  Mitch’s nose twitched and his eyes partly opened. He slowly sat up, but she could tell he was barely with her. She took his hand and he let her lead him, shuffling along completely relaxed and half asleep.

  Beth opened her own bedroom door, led him inside and closed it again. She pulled back the blanket and sheet and led him to the edge of the bed.

  “Lay down hon’ and go to sleep
. You’ll feel better in the morning.”

  Mitch crawled in and rolled onto his side. Within seconds he was out cold. Beth changed into her long flannel nightgown in the bathroom, brushed her hair and her teeth and made sure all the doors were locked. She checked to make sure the alarm was set, then settled in on her side of the bed. She lay on her side facing away from her friend and fell fast asleep.

  Mitch woke to the smell of something wonderful and the sound of excited children running down the hall. None of this signaled normalcy in his world. He opened his eyes and marveled at how good he felt. He’d slept well and his body felt supple and movable. Then he looked around.

  He was in an antique brass bed that had seen better days. The quilt he was under was hand-stitched and old, but clean. He saw an oak chest with pictures of Scott and Patty from infancy to their current school pictures. The vanity on the wall at the foot of the bed, held a few cosmetics, some hair ties and a bottle of perfume he’d bought her for Christmas last year. He was in Beth’s bed. He looked under the covers and saw he was still wearing his underwear and he didn’t remember getting drunk. He remembered two glasses of wine, a wonderful dinner and a fabulous massage. After that, nothing.

  He looked to his left and saw an open door to an obvious bathroom. He reluctantly got out of bed and went inside to find a fresh set of his work clothes, as well as underwear and socks. His work boots were under the counter. She’d gone to his house and lined him out for his day.