* * *
"Now see what's you've done, Melanie...." John was saying as he ran to the door to watch his daughter getting in his car once more and tearing off down the highway. The rain had started and it was lightning.
"I want to know what you are going to do about this, young man." Melanie was in his face now but Ben wasn't concentrating on her. He was worried about what Savannah might do.
"Well, right now, I'll put out a APB on your daughter and find out where she's headed. Then I'll bring her back here."
"I'm not talking about that, I want to know who and what you are about. How long have you known my daughter? Exactly what are your intentions?"
"Mrs. Kingsley, I have to admit I've been concerned about Savannah too. Nothing she did made any sense to me. But after a phone conversation last night I understand a lot more than I did. And I think there is something you should both know."
Ben told them about his conversation with Chad on the phone and Melanie sat stone still, "I can't believe it."
"It came directly from him. I wouldn't and couldn't invent such a story. I don't even know the man, personally." Ben said as he told Chad's story to them. "And true to her word to Chad, Savannah didn't tell on him."
"But, why...why couldn't she tell me?" Melanie objected. "I'm her mother, for goodness sakes."
"She didn't know until her wedding day. And I suspect Savannah wasn't that upset finding out he was gay, as admitting she was that naive and didn't know. Her ego had been damaged. She didn't know what to do or where to turn. I myself wouldn't have known, if I hadn't taken it upon myself to find out. I'm a lawman, and I guess a little too snoopy for words."
"She wasn't in love with Chad; she was in love with getting married. She so admired her sisters for making good families, that's all Savannah ever wanted." Mrs. Kingsley related, as though talking to herself.
"I asked Savannah what had happened. She was reluctant to tell me anything. As a Sheriff I had to know something though. She had no ID. So I kept at her. She never told me he was gay. She said she had caught him with someone."
"Good Lord," John touched his head, "She caught them....?"
"That's what she said...I don't know much more than you about it, because she hasn't confessed anything to me. I took it upon myself to find out. I'm sorry I intruded, but then again, I'm not. Now I understand why she did so many things."
"That still doesn't explain your relationship with my daughter."
Ben nodded again, and glanced out the door. Where had she gone. Did he have time to catch her?
Ben looked her father in the eye, "Alright, I think you deserve to know, I love her. Does that explain anything? I had no right to fall in love with her, knowing she had run from a planned wedding. But with Savannah, how could you help it? Now I'm sorry, but I've got to go after her. Excuse me..."