by C J Murphy
Jordan leaned back and pulled her hair into her hands. “I’ve mimicked her grafting techniques as much as possible. Something’s missing. Which means, until I find her, we’re likely to continue to have random failures.”
“When are you heading out again?”
“Max has been moved over to the rehab center to work on getting him up on his feet. Sam and I are worried this injury will accelerate his dementia. In a few days, I’m headed to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia after I stop by D.C. to pick up my Jeep at my sister’s.”
A knock behind them drew their attention to the door. “About that.” A petite, silver haired woman in an impeccably tailored navy suit, leaned against the door frame with her arms crossed.
Jordan rose and walked over to Dean Elaine Bell and bent to hug her. “Hey, Elle.”
Elle hugged her back and slugged her arm. “You could have told me you were here.”
Jordan blushed, shrugging her shoulders in response. “I came back to help Sam with Max. When he called and told me what happened, I was getting ready to leave Maine to go back to D.C.”
Elle narrowed her eyes at Jordan. “You’re on sabbatical, Professor Armstrong. You aren’t even supposed to be here.”
Deena closed her laptop. “I’m going to head back over to the test patch. It was good to see you, Professor A.”
Jordan scowled at her about the formal title. Deena widened her eyes and pointed her chin at Elle, grinning as she waved and exited.
“I know I’m on sabbatical, but that doesn’t mean I don’t care. Please, Deena, keep me from going crazy. Throw a dog a bone and send me an email update.”
Deena shook her head, laughing as she went back down the hall.
Elle hooked her hand through the crook of Jordan’s arm. “Walk with me.” Elle led her outside. “I have a favor to ask.”
Jordan ran her hand through her hair that was desperately in need of a cut. “I know, leave the research to my assistants.”
Elle squeezed her arm. “That too. This is more of a personal favor. I heard you say you were going to Harpers Ferry. Is that correct?”
“It is. That’s where my next set of clues leads me.”
“Dr. Henry has had an unfortunate accident, while skiing in Canada. He’s broken both his legs.”
“That pompous ass, I didn’t even know he could ski.” Jordan scowled.
“Thus, the two broken legs. The problem is he was supposed to be in Kearneysville on Tuesday, as part of a workshop on grafting. You know our relationship with West Virginia University. It’s an important one for both institutions. I need a replacement and since you’re already going that way, how about I finance your little adventure there?”
Jordan slowed down, realizing her legs were much longer than her companion’s. “Elle, I’m not so sure that’s a good idea.”
“I know where your apprehension lies. Kallie’s happily married and has two children. The circumstances are vastly different. I need you on this, Jordan." She held up the index finger of her right hand. “One, you’re going that way." She held up another finger. “Two, you’re one of the nation’s premier experts in a field in which you’ve written three books about. And three, it’s a small workshop of less than sixty people. I’d consider this a personal favor to me.”
Jordan shook her head while she chuckled. “Elle, this isn’t something I want to do. Because you are always so good to me, I will. Can you send the particulars to my email? Who’s my contact?” Elle grew quiet and looked at her, a small grin on her face.
“Elle, personal favor or not, you’re going to owe me big time.” The two women laughed as they walked back to Elle’s office.
***
Three days later, Jordan sat by Max’s bed, filling him in on the parts of her journey their short phone calls hadn’t fully described. He was improving slowly, more alert each time she visited. She used their time to tell him about the guidance she couldn’t explain.
“Jordan…not everything…has explanation. Some things, take on faith.” Max drew in a breath and his eyes closed. “Serious moment, Jordan. I’m not going to be around forever…a given.” His speech was slow and slightly slurred.
Jordan put her hand on his arm. “Max, don’t wear yourself out.” He lay there for several minutes, not speaking. Jordan thought he might have gone to sleep.
“Seventy-two years old…dementia…. I have…loving husband…good friends. I’ve had a really good life.”
“Max please, you’re going to be fine. Just rest. We’ll have plenty of time to talk when you’re feeling better.”
Max coughed. Jordan held a large thermal cup and directed the straw to his lips. He drank and reached up to push the cup away. “Not checking out…promise. Stating the facts. There is something that I need you to do.”
Jordan couldn’t imagine what she could do for him that she wasn’t already doing. If it was within her power, she would deny him nothing. “What’s that?” Long moments passed as she watched him appear to gather his strength and his thoughts.
“I want you to find happiness and love again. Put Tina in past…get back to land of living.”
“Max…”
“Don’t Max me. You need someone…besides two old men with a dog…your mother, and sister.” Max took a few deep ragged breaths.
“You’re tired Max. Sam will be here soon. I’m going to go home and take care of Bandit.”
Max grabbed her arm. “Take Bandit. Needs run and play. Can’t sit by my side…rest of my life. He needs to be with you.”
Jordan watched as he relaxed into the pillow, obviously worn out, his color ashen.
Max opened his eyes wide. “Please?”
Jordan closed her hand over his. She leaned in and kissed his forehead. “Sleep, Max, he’ll be in good hands.”
“Thank you…Jordan. Now…work on the rest.” He patted her hand.
***
Noeul rubbed Kyo’s ears and kissed her nose. “Now you be a good girl for Auntie Miranda and Kelly.”
Kelly hugged and released her. “Quit worrying. Leo has your place covered, and Miranda has plans to run this girl every day until she’s good and tired. Now get on the road.”
Noeul reached for Miranda, embraced her and climbed into her truck. She looked at her friends. This would be the first time in years that she’d slept anywhere other than her own home or theirs. Something Stanley mentioned at the farmers’ market about the research facility in Kearneysville had peaked her curiosity.
A quick search had found the website and a list of staff members. There were a few names she recognized from reading research and one she recognized from her teaching days. What had really caught her eye was a notice for an upcoming workshop with an announced change of speaker. Professor Martin Henry was being replaced with none other than Professor Jordan Armstrong, the one name that seemed to be finding its way into her life over and over.
Sometimes she worried that her research into Jordan was becoming an obsession. The fact that this talented scientist was coming so close to Noeul proved to be a temptation too strong to resist. It was a chance to add to her research knowledge and see the woman who had been fueling her curiosity for months.
A few clicks had confirmed there were still seats available at the workshop. After registering, she’d booked a room in nearby Shepherdstown. She couldn’t bring herself to stay in Harpers Ferry. Memories of her time there with Aggie and the day she’d placed the memorial, were too close to the surface. Shepherdstown was small and full of quaint specialty shops and restaurants. Her dreams that night were filled with melodious tones she’d spent years enjoying and years missing. As she drove away from Green Bank, she could recall every word as if they had been a goodbye.
“Two hundred eight minutes and one hundred seventy-three miles”.
“What?”
“Two hundred eight minutes and one hundred seventy-three miles lead to your future.”
“Aggie?”
“The seeker draws close. The dista
nce between you seems like a giant leap. In reality, it’s a single step.”
“You’re leaving me, aren’t you?”
“My sweet Noeul, I’ve been gone a long time. I came back to remind you of the fact that you are still very much alive and not the one who died. My life was cut short and as a result, you put yours on pause. It’s time to push play. Carry me in your memory for as long as you need. It’s time for another to heal your heart, feed your soul, and hold your body. Two hundred eight minutes and one hundred seventy-three miles and the story of the phoenix will be revealed.”
The dream had caused Noeul to sit straight up in bed, covered in sweat, her heart pounding out of her chest. She was drawn back to the computer in the study. Pulling up a map to Kearneysville left her little doubt she was being directed to the workshop. The screen showed the research farm was two hundred eight minutes and one hundred seventy-three miles away.
Chapter Fourteen
JORDAN CHECKED INTO THE trundle suite at Lily Garden Bed and Breakfast in Harpers Ferry. When she’d looked online for a place that could accommodate her and Bandit, she’d found this small gem with great reviews. Without knowing exactly where the quest would lead her, she wanted a place where they would be comfortable for more than a few days. There was a yard, and almost everything in Harpers Ferry was within walking distance. It was a good set up to allow her to explore the area and give Bandit a ‘job’ to keep him occupied.
She was grateful for Elle’s brother-in-law, who happened to be a private pilot. He was able to fly her and Bandit to Reagan National, where Sarah picked them up. After a few hours with her family, she’d made the drive to West Virginia.
The call she’d made to Kallie to confirm her participation in the workshop had been surreal. Talking to a former lover felt a little awkward. It wasn’t unpleasant like most would expect. Kallie had made Jordan promise to come to dinner with her family at their farm. Jordan had argued, feeling like it could be a disaster.
“If you can survive dinner with a three-year-old and a seven-year-old, I’m sure my wife will provide you with a meal second to none. I promise, it’ll be worth the trip. Please join us?” Kallie’s voice was almost pleading.
Jordan resigned herself to the visit and planned to make the best of it. “As long as I can bring my four-legged companion, we’ll be there.”
Kallie’s place sat outside of Winchester, Virginia. As she made her way up the drive, the white clapboard farmhouse was far from what she expected to see of the Kallie she’d dated. A wide, wraparound porch surrounded the large, older home, and the yard held a wooden play structure littered with children’s toys. A horse and a small pony grazed in a paddock near the house. The woman on the front porch stood with one hand on her hip and the other shielding her eyes against the sun. Jordan pulled up and put the Jeep in park. Bandit whined from behind her and leapt out as soon as she released him. He promptly relieved himself against a tree and followed Jordan to the wide porch steps, where Dr. Kallie Nelson—correction—Dr. Kallie Nelson-Allen, stood with a wide smile and open arms.
Jordan couldn’t help but laugh, as she walked into those arms and hugged her.
Kallie kissed her cheek. “Hey, stranger.”
“Hey, yourself. This place is fantastic. Not exactly what I pictured for you.”
Kallie dropped her head and laughed. “Yeah, the things we wanted in our youth don’t always translate into what we need as an adult. The mansion didn’t mean a thing when I didn’t have true love to go along with it.” Pointing to Jordan’s sidekick, she asked. “Who’s this?”
Jordan put her hand on the top of the dog’s head. “Do you remember Max Keller?”
“I do.”
“Unfortunately, he fell and ended up with a skull fracture. Bandit belongs to Max and his husband, Sam. With Max out of commission, Bandit wasn’t going to get enough exercise. His energy has a tendency to become destructive without a job. So now, I’m his job.”
Kallie dropped down to pet Bandit. “I’m sorry to hear about Max.” She looked at Jordan and laughed. “That’s a pretty big job for such a little guy.”
“Trust me, he’s up to it. You look good, Kallie.”
“And you’re too thin.”
The screen door creaked, and a tall woman with short, wavy, brown hair and stunning blue eyes came out carrying a young girl, the spitting image of Kallie.
Kallie stretched out a hand and took the child from her, settling the young girl on her hip. “Jordan, this is Paula, my wife, and this,” she tickled the young girl, “is our daughter, Ariana. Her brother, Ben, is washing up for dinner. Can you tell mommy’s friend, Jordan, how old you are?”
The child held up three fingers. Jordan laughed and squinted one eye at the child. “You sure?” Ariana vigorously shook her head, and Jordan reached to shake Paula’s hand. “Paula, I hear you are quite the chef. Nice to meet you. Don’t believe anything this one’s told you.” She pointed to Kallie and bit her lip.
“I promise, she only told me you were an old friend, and don’t believe anything she tells you about my cooking. Although we aren’t starving around here.” She patted her stomach, as she casually put an arm around Kallie’s shoulders. “It’s great to meet you, too. Welcome to our little slice of heaven.”
Jordan turned around and eyed the large maple trees in the front yard. The sunlight streaked in and out of the verdant branches, as a swing swayed lazily in the breeze. “It is that.”
“Come on in. Dinner’s almost ready.”
Paula held the door for Jordan and stopped to look at the young boy descending the stairs. “Let me see.” She inspected his hands and smiled. “I’m pretty sure I said wash your face too. There’s more dirt there than in our garden. Try again, buddy. Once you’re done, meet us in the kitchen.” The young boy grinned and climbed back up the stairs.
Kallie and Paula looked at each other and shook their heads. Paula offered Jordan a beer, as she put the rest of the food on the table. Kallie put Ariana in her seat and made sure Ben was pushed up to the table when he returned, clean faced.
Watching Kallie, Jordan saw the picture of domesticity. Gone were the designer suits and high heels, replaced with jeans and flip flops. Her nails were still as manicured as ever, down to the pink polish on her toes. Kallie’s smile was different too. For the first time, Jordan was sure the happiness was genuine and focused purely on her wife and children.
The meal was delicious. Before long, the dinner plates were empty, and Kallie was dishing out cherry pie with vanilla ice cream. Jordan snickered, making Kallie look up at her.
“What?” Kallie’s grin widened, as Jordan continued to chuckle. “What are you laughing at?”
“You.” Jordan turned to Paula. “I’m sorry, Paula. You are obviously a miracle worker.”
Kallie put her hands on her hips. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“It’s nothing bad, Kallie. You have completely turned into the picture of wedded bliss. Ten years ago, I’d have never been able to picture you with a ketchup stain on your shoulder, slicing up cherry pie for guests. The change is fantastic. The best part is, you look happier than I ever imagined.” Jordan raised her coffee cup to Paula. “My bet is that it took meeting the right woman. You’re good for her. I can tell you make her happy.”
Paula ruffled Ben’s hair. “I think she’s the best thing that ever happened to me. When we met, I’d never have guessed she wanted a life like this. She took to it like a duck to water. She’s a wonderful mother and still an active researcher. That’s where we met. I was doing research on pest and disease management for the apple trees. She knocked me over, literally. I was bent over, looking at an unknown fungus, when she backed into me. I went ass over tin cup and looked up into the most beautiful face I’d ever seen. I was gone from that point. Took me two years to get her to say I do.” She put her hands behind her head. “The rest is history. I’m a lucky woman.”
Jordan watched Kallie smile and set a bowl down in front of Paula
. “I tell that story a little differently. The ending is the same.” She bent over and kissed her wife. “What about you, Jordan, have you settled down yet?”
Jordan shook her head and accepted a bowl from Kallie. “No. You know me, married to my research.”
Kallie looked at her skeptically but didn’t call her out.
After dinner, the group went outside to the porch where Ben spent the next hour throwing the tennis ball for Bandit. Ariana was sitting on the porch floor with some blocks, while Paula and Kallie swayed in a wooden swing suspended from the ceiling. Jordan relaxed in a glider beside them.
“You know we’re going to have to get a dog now. We’ve been putting him off. Somehow after this,” Paula pointed to Ben and Bandit, “I don’t think a hamster is going to cut it.”
Jordan watched Kallie run her hand through Paula’s hair like she’d done it a million times. “I’m betting not, and I’m blaming you.” Kallie shoved Jordan’s shoulder. “Remember that, when I make you house break the new puppy.”
“Somehow if you can housebreak two kids, a dog will be a breeze. Tell me about the workshop tomorrow.”
Kallie pushed the swing with her foot as Paula did the same. “Well, we put this on every year. Fruit trees are big business around here. Winchester has an apple blossom festival at the end of April. Anything we can do to help the orchards, helps the economy. We tap our university partners to bring in subject matter experts from several specialties. Having you come to speak with us is a real treat. I only wish we’d had more time to advertise your session. I’m almost positive we’d have had a much larger crowd than was expected for Professor Henry.”
Jordan and Kallie both murmured, “Pompous ass,” and Jordan shook her head. “I wouldn’t go so far as to say your crowd would be larger.”
Kallie sat forward. “You still don’t know what a big deal you are, do you? Jordan, you are the top expert on grafting research. You’ve achieved every top accolade in your field. They’re using your research everywhere, and it’s quoted in a dozen other research studies and text books.”