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"The name's Ben Hogg, I'm Sheriff over in Junction."
"I see, well, what has that to do with me, sir?" Chad asked obviously still not understanding who he was.
"I'm trying to find out exactly why Savannah Kingsley ran out on you."
There was a pause, a silence and Ben looked at the receiver as though it had two heads.
Hadn't he heard him?
"Well?"
"I don't understand. Who are you?" Chad asked again.
"Ben Hogg."
"Never heard of you," Chad said about to hang up.
"I know that. And I'm sorry for bothering you at this hour, but I've got to know...it's important."
"Obviously you know Savannah. Didn't she tell you?" Chad asked bleakly.
"Tell me what?"
"I guess...I thought she would have told everyone by now, hoped she would have...but well, the truth is..."
"The truth is what....?"
"I'm gay." Came the contrite voice over the phone. "There I've said it, and it feels wonderful being able to say it aloud."
Ben looked at the receiver again. "Come again?"
"I said she found out I was gay. That's why she ran out on me. Gee, it's not that hard to say aloud anymore. In fact, it's a relief being able to announce it to someone...anyone. Look, I don't know who you are or what you want, but thanks... you don't know how much you've helped me."
And he hung up.
Ben sat staring at the phone for a long time. Never in his life had he dreamed this kind of situation. But now his concern was for Savannah. Poor, sweet, unsuspecting Savannah had gotten herself into a situation that demanded she do something. Thank God she had the sense to run away from it.
Deep down he had known there had to be a reasonable explanation for her doing such a thing. It almost made him feel guilty for calling Chad. But he was relieved to know the truth.
Now he was faced with his own feelings for her and what he aimed to do about them.
* * *
The next morning, it was overcast. The weather man predicted heavy storms for the area. Ben grimaced. Checking the sky, he noted the black clouds accumulating and decided to put his rain slicker in his car.
Then he saw a car coming down the gravel road, toward his house. He watched, it wasn't familiar. It looked like a rental.
When a man and a woman got out and began walking toward him he stood very still and waited. Being a Sheriff had taught him to be cautious of anyone. The man looked determined, and in control, the woman looked angry. They were both dressed well, too well. They weren't from around here he sized them up quickly.
Savannah got out of the backseat. She was wearing a beautiful spring dress that flowed as she walked. Her hair fell about her shoulders and that streak caught his eye again. Funny how something so small could catch a man's eye. She was so lovely, he couldn't help just standing there admiring her.
"Are you Ben Hogg?" the man was asking as he approached him.
"That's right," Ben answered, his eyes still on Savannah, his hand extending for a shake.
"We're Savannah's parents," the woman said staunchly as she eyed him closely.
"Yes, I'm John, and this is my wife, Melanie."
