Taylor hugged her, and Kellie whispered. “You’re the best. I’m going to follow your advice.”
#####
Kellie didn’t want the wheelchair, but the nurse insisted, and she was greeted by Mike, Rita, Hunter, Cole, and Andrea when she arrived back in the waiting area.
Andrea hugged her. “When Hunter called to let us know you were okay in case we heard it from someone else, we had to come. He also said you never had dinner, so we’re all going to Cooper’s. I had dinner, but the baby wants a hot fudge sundae.”
Rita joined them, and they walked out leaving the men behind scratching their heads.
“Do you suppose they need us at all?” Cole asked.
“For a few things, buddy,” Hunter answered slapping him on the back.
Cole’s eyes flashed, and he grinned. “Yeah, a few.”
“Not to mention taking the dogs home. If I hadn’t taken care of it, Taylor would have forgotten completely.”
“Can’t blame her,” Cole said. “She was worried sick about Kellie.”
Hunter nodded.
Mike trailed the group to the parking lot and Coopers.
Chapter Fifteen
Taylor insisted Kellie spend the night with Hunter and her. Hunter helped Kellie up the stairs to the guest room. Rufus ran around her and sniffed the elastic bandage on her ankle. He sat and howled and then ran off to romp with Penny.
Kellie laughed. “I guess Penny is more fun than me with an injured ankle.”
Taylor nodded and handed her a stack of clean clothing. “Good thing we wear the same size.”
Kellie dropped the clothes on the bed and leaned on the crutches. “Right, as if it would be a lot of trouble to go next door to get my clothes.”
“I’m home. I don’t want to go outside for any reason tonight. Hunter set a chair in the guest shower for you. Do you need anything else?”
Kellie shook her head no and hugged Taylor.
Taylor headed out of the room, turned and said, “If you need anything, just holler.” She closed the door.
Kellie hobbled into the bathroom, undressed, and sat in a warm shower letting the water wash away the day’s stress.
Kellie slept late and went home with Rufus after breakfast.
Taylor and Hunter went back to work, and Kellie fought going stir crazy for the following week. Her ankle was feeling better and didn’t require physical therapy. She was considering going for a drive just for a change of scenery when her phone rang.
“Hello. Oh, hi Max. Yes, I’m feeling better. I still have it wrapped, but it doesn’t hurt as much. Coffee? Tomorrow afternoon? I can do that. I can drive. I’ll meet you then. Bye.” She set the phone down and smiled.
She picked her phone up and called Taylor. “Hi, guess what? He called. Max, who else? We’re having coffee tomorrow afternoon. I think it’ll be fun. I’ll see you later.”
She heard Taylor’s chuckle as she hung up the phone.
#####
Max was waiting outside the coffee shop for Kellie. “He’s punctual. That’s a good sign.” She thought as she pulled in and parked.
“Hi,” she called out as she climbed out of her SUV.
He waved and walked over to meet her. “I’m glad you could make it.”
They walked in silence until they had placed their order, picked up their cups of coffee, and sat down.
Kellie’s mind flew in a dozen directions. “Say something. He’s going to think you’re an idiot.” She decided to smile and take a sip of coffee.
She inhaled a breath of relief when he spoke first, “It’s nice to see you up walking around with only one crutch. Your ankle must be healing well.”
“The doctor said I was fortunate it wasn’t worse. I sprained it once before jogging. He told me to be careful because I might not be as lucky next time.”
“You like to jog? I never liked running outside that much. I put in time each day at the gym. Never know when I might need my muscles on a call. We might have to carry someone out of the woods.” His blue eyes sparkled with mischief and Kellie felt her face warm.
“Working keeps you out of trouble. I have a feeling you’ve had your share of adventures,” she flashed him a smile.
“That’s what my mom says. I’m a trouble magnet. I spend time with my parents when I’m not working. They had me late in life and are getting up in years. There are a lot of things I don’t want my dad doing.” He sipped his coffee and looked at her.
A stab of pain hit her heart. She tried to smile. “It’s nice that you help them. My parents died in a car accident a few weeks after I graduated college. My Uncle Mike and Aunt Rita stepped in, but it’s nice to have parents around.” She sipped her coffee trying not to make eye contact.
He continued. “My parents were married for nearly twenty years when mom had me. The doctor said she couldn’t have kids. She said it was a blessing. Dad said I was a downright shock.”
Kellie giggled and threw her hand to her face. She looked at him and said, “Sorry, but that was funny.”
He smiled back. “That’s okay. They were both forty when I was born. I would say shock is a good word. Dad said he’d blame the mailman, but I look just like him. He’s where I get my blue eyes and blonde hair. Mom’s hair is light brown, and her eyes are hazel.”
Kellie giggled again. “It’s a good thing you look like him. That would be quite a scandal in Malone Springs.”
“That it would, but I think people talk more about our resident ghost whisperer now,” he wiggled his eyebrows.
“Don’t call me that, I have no idea why spirits chose to talk to me. Aren’t you afraid they’ll come after you if you’re with me?” She bit her lip hard to keep from laughing, but it showed in her eyes.
“Not at all, bring them on.” He finished his coffee. “Would you like another?”
“No, I’m fine.” She sipped a bit more and watched him as he walked to the counter to order another. He looked just as good walking back. He dropped in his chair and held up the cup. “I’m on the late shift tonight. I’ll need this.”
“Do you enjoy your job?” She asked watching him put the cup to his lips.
“Yes, I have always wanted to help people. I didn’t want to go into law enforcement like your Uncle Mike. I’m scared to death of getting shot.” The mischievous look flashed in his eyes again. “I chose being a paramedic.”
“Good choice. It’s helpful and an honest job. I taught junior high English for a year and then my life turned upside down. I love running the children’s charity now.” Her knee kept bouncing on its own under the table. She hoped Max wouldn’t notice.
“There have been so many articles in the paper about you. If I knew we were going to have coffee, I would’ve read more of them. Now, you have to tell me all about yourself. Any siblings?” He leaned back in his chair and stared straight into her eyes.
“No, I’m an only child, but Taylor moved in next door when we were both three. We bonded immediately and grew up as sisters. We were and still are inseparable. I even call her mom and dad “mom and dad.” She drummed her fingertips on the tops of her thighs. “I take it you’re an only child, too.”
“Yup, blessing or shock, there’s just me.”
Both of them broke out laughing. The ice broke, and their eyes locked. They talked non-stop for the next hour sharing memories, past heartbreaks, hobbies, favorite foods, movies, music, things they hated, and crazy situations both wished they could’ve avoided.
Max looked at his watch. “I have to run. I told dad I’d stop by and knowing my mom she’s going to want to feed me before my shift.” He took her hand. “I had fun. Would you like to have dinner some evening? My schedule is a bit weird at times, but I could call you when I know I’ll have time.” His eyes burned into her mind.
“Yes, that would be lovely. I would enjoy having dinner with you.” She stood when he did and walked toward the door.
“Great,” he said. “It’s a date.” He winked, and she smiled.
She walked to her SUV slowly but was still out of breath by the time she reached it. She could feel her heart beating faster with each thought of Max. Climbing in behind the steering wheel, she took a deep breath.
“I hope he calls soon,” she thought. “Maybe Taylor was right. I did see my mom, and she knew I had a future. Could it be with Max?”
#####
Hunter worked late, and Taylor said she’d stop at Kellie’s after work. She let Penny out in the backyard to run and knocked on Kellie’s patio door. Rufus nearly bowled her over to get into the yard with Penny.
The two young women laughed at the adult dogs romping and playing like puppies. Taylor grinned when she said, “It’s a good thing they were spayed and neutered, or we’d have two house’s full of puppies.”
Kellie nodded, “They wouldn’t be playing like that either. They act like puppies now and always will. It’s fun to watch them.”
“I agree,” Taylor said. “One of these days we’ll be watching our kids play that way.”
Kellie twisted her lip, shrugged, and looked at Taylor. She took a deep breath and pulled a container of homemade soup from the freezer and heated it in the microwave. Taylor threw together a few drop biscuits, and they enjoyed an easy, delicious dinner.
Between spoons of soup, Taylor asked Kellie about her coffee date.
Kellie took a big bite of her biscuit.
Taylor looked at her and said, “You’re eventually going to run out of food, and you’ll have to answer me.”
Kellie swallowed and took a sip of her juice. “I don’t know how to answer your question. I had a nice time. He has a wonderful sense of humor, and we talked about a lot of things. We even discussed a few personal things. I like him … a lot. There is something about him that I’m drawn to, and I’m not sure why.”
Taylor smiled and nodded. “It’s chemistry, plain and simple. I could tell by the way he looked at you. He likes you a lot, too.”
Kellie blushed and filled her spoon with soup.
“Don’t ignore me,” Taylor said. “I know you better than anyone. I have seen you with Drew and Randy. Neither of them made your face glow, or your eyes shine this way. I think something special is going on.” She crossed her hands in front of her on the table and looked directly at Kellie. “Tell me I’m wrong.”
Kellie set her spoon down. “Okay, you’re right. He makes me feel special. I was eighteen when I met Drew. I loved him; I truly did, but I think we moved in together too quickly after my parents died. I leaned on him more than I should have, and he was my shelter. I can’t call Randy a rebound love since I never looked at him that way. I cared, but I wasn’t ready to commit to being head over heels in love. That is what I want. I need someone who takes my breath away when he walks into the room. I didn’t feel that with Randy. When I suggested we take a step back, I never thought he would die the same day.”
Taylor reached out her hand. “You know it wasn’t your fault. You didn’t cause his death. He would have had the accident regardless of whether or not you argued. It was an accident, Kellie. Everyone knows it. The police investigation and the safety study came to the same results. Accident.”
“I know,” Kellie interlaced her fingers and bit her lip while she glanced out the window. When her gaze returned to Taylor, she said, “I have felt guilty since the day it happened. I have tried my best to hide it by acting happy and laughing.”
“You forget I can see through all of that, but I let you mourn in the way you needed.” Taylor blinked back tears forming in the corner of her eyes.
“At one point today Max said something funny and we both laughed. It was real laughter. From that point, we were like old friends. We talked and laughed more. Taylor, I felt like laughing and the laughter was genuine. For the first time in months, I found myself happy without feeling guilty.” She dropped her head. “Am I a terrible person?”
“Absolutely not, you’re a person who’s healing. Today you took a big step in that direction with someone who I think will help fill the holes in your heart. Drew and Randy both left holes even if you won’t admit it. Randy couldn’t fill the hole Drew left. Open up to Max. He might be the man who can fill them both.” She dropped her head toward her shoulder and looked at Kellie. “Give it a chance.”
“Okay, I will. Oh, he asked me out to dinner.” She hunched her shoulders and beamed.
“You let me do all that convincing and you already had a dinner date.” She placed her hands on her hips. “I should go home now.”
“Okay, but I have chocolate chip ice cream. Plus, with his crazy schedule, we didn’t set a date. He’ll call when he gets a night off.” She stood and walked to the refrigerator. “You want ice cream or not?”
“That’s a silly question.”
#####
A week later Kellie and Taylor attended the grand opening of the Lydia Thernstrom House of Hope. Renovations to the house were mainly functional improvements for children or moms with physical impairments. They added a wheelchair ramp, indoor elevator, and walk-in showers. Each employee and volunteer passed a strict security check and Mr. Jim, the new security guard, was a retired police officer personally recommended by Detective Stellion. Two other security guards hired not only passed their security checks but were given a second one by Mr. Jim. Lydia’s home could now accommodate two moms and four to six children depending on age.
Kellie used the ramp to hop up to the front doors. Taylor walked behind her. “I don’t want you to fall.”
Kellie laughed, “If I fall, you will, too.”
Claudia met them at the top of the ramp and declared the house and the entire property a ghost-free zone. The crystals Kellie placed on each floor were still in place, and each staff member was told never to move them. They believed they were good luck charms and part of the inheritance.
Deborah was running around attending to every small detail. Kellie commented, “You work hard, Deborah. Perhaps you should put your name in for president this fall. I would gladly give up my place for you.”
“Heavens no,” Deborah blushed. “You will be permanent president if I have anything to say about it. I’m only stepping in to be sure you don’t stress your ankle until it heals.” She looked around to see if anyone was close and whispered, “Plus this is my day to upstage that pain of a brother of mine.” She smiled as she hurried off.
Kellie understood all too well what a pain the mayor could be and she smiled at the thought of the mayor being in second place today.
“Penny for your thoughts,” Taylor asked.
“I was just thinking about the chandelier falling on the mayor as he’s giving his speech.” Both young women doubled over in laughter.
“Speak of the devil,” Taylor said.
They watched as a large black SUV pulled up in front of the house. The driver scurried around to open the mayor’s door.
“Let the fun begin,” Kellie whispered as she hurried inside followed by Taylor.
#####
A small group of people arrived for the grand opening. Kellie saw Marilyn’s friend Stan from the newspaper. She knew he would write a glowing article about them. The mayor gave one of his usual long-winded speeches about the good this project will do for the citizens of Malone Springs. He presented a wooden plaque to Deborah with Lydia’s picture and a short history of the house. She handed it to the young man who accompanied the mayor. In his black suit, black tie, and cobalt blue shirt, he looked more mayoral than the mayor. The young man hung the plaque on a hook precisely centered on the side wall of the foyer.
Deborah said, “Thank you, mayor.” The room exploded in applause.
Kellie wondered if they were paid to applaud. Deborah’s voice introducing her pulled her out of her thoughts. “Please welcome the president of the Malone Springs Children’s Charity and a woman who worked harder than any of us to see the house open, Kellie Conley.”
Applause filled the room again and quieted as she approached the podium.
Kell
ie didn’t prepare a speech and wanted to thank everyone who helped. She stood at the podium, and her mind went blank when she saw Max standing at the back of the foyer. She took a deep breath and smiled.
“Thank you all for coming this morning. The completion of this project was a work of love with many hours of volunteer time and donations from the community. The sister project, the opening of the old monastery, is expected before winter. It will accommodate more families and offer services we are unable to house under this roof. I want to thank everyone for their help and support. I also want to thank and remember Clarice Winters. Her help was invaluable, and she will be missed. A special remembrance is being planned when the monastery building opens.” She smiled at the group, grabbed her crutch, and hobbled toward Taylor.
Deborah took to the podium again to invite everyone to stay for refreshments.
Kellie turned when a familiar voice said, “Hi, how’s it going?”
“Hi, it’s going great. You’re here in uniform. Are you on duty?” She glanced outside to see a paramedic van parked near the front walk.
“Yeah, whenever the mayor goes to one of these things, he asks that one of us be here in case someone passes out from stress or excitement. I volunteered only nothing ever happens. I think there’s a bigger chance he’s worried someone may throw a tomato at him.” He winked at Kellie.
She doubled over in laughter. “I think you’re right. Come and have something to eat. You can keep an eye on the tomatoes that way.”
He followed her and whispered, “This doesn’t count as our dinner. The new schedule will be out later today. I’ll call you when I find a good day.”
She turned, her eyes sparkling, “Sounds great. Let me formally introduce you to Taylor. Last time you met it was dark in the woods, and then it was in my hospital room.” She waved Taylor over to them.
After the introductions, the three sat and ate turkey and ham sandwich quarters, potato salad, and fresh fruit.
“No tomatoes,” Max whispered.
Kellie hid her smile behind her hand, and Taylor looked at them out of the corner of her eye. “Yup,” Taylor thought, “there is definitely something happening here.”
SUMMER OF EVIL Page 14