Delivered: (The Blackpaw Prophecy, Book 1)

by Leona Crowley

  My wolf appeared in my dream last night. My wolf. I probably shouldn’t call him that. The dream seems to change as I get closer. It’s comforting and I hope it continues. Anyway, he was standing by a Welcome to Wolfton sign. A small town up in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. The GPS says that I’ll be there in a few hours. My excitement is morphing into nervousness. I have no idea what to expect when I arrive.

  The closer I get to my intended destination, the more my palms sweat. Driving along the winding wooded road, I find myself looking at the tree line for wolves. In my head, I know that I’m not going to be greeted by a wolf as soon as I get out of the car. In my heart, I need to know that I haven’t made the biggest mistake of my life. I don’t need much. A tiny hint of confirmation will do.

  The driving has been tiresome, but I feel myself waking up as I get closer to Wolfton. I’m starting to feel more energized and ready to face what’s next. I’m still nervous about not knowing what that will be, but the wolf hasn’t let me down yet. He has patiently guided me each step of the way and provided the necessary information exactly when I needed it. For now, that’s what I’m depending on.

  CHAPTER 2

  Ashley

  Driving into Wolfton seems normal. Just an ordinary town in the mountains. Hilly and surrounded by thick woods. A small downtown area that encompasses only a few blocks. Seems quiet. It feels cool for the end of June and no humidity. I’ll be honest: I was hoping for some grand sign or big revelation. Maybe a billboard with flashing lights telling me what to do next. Nope, just a small town.

  To start, I’ll need a place to stay. The Wolfton Motor Lodge up ahead appears interesting and available. I haven’t seen any other hotels, and I definitely want to stay in Wolfton. I’ll book a room and then get something to eat. Who knows how long I’ll be staying. I think two weeks is a good start. I’m not sure what this wolf has in store for me next, and that gives me plenty of time with no pressure.

  I’m nervous walking through the doors of the lodge. I love the 1970s charm. Man, that door is loud. No one is around. My footsteps seem to echo. I don’t see a bell or anything.

  “Hello. I’ll be right with you.” A female voice from a back room fills the small lobby.

  “Hey, don’t rush. I’m in no hurry.” I never know what to say.

  I look around at the décor. There are actual ashtrays on the side tables. Orange and brown amoeba-shaped ceramic ashtrays. The sign beside them reads No Smoking. Collectors would go crazy in here. I think some of this stuff is original.

  An older gray-haired woman walks through a door in the back and leans on the counter. She is close to my height and thin. “Hello. You must be new in town. My name is Evelyn. What can I do for you?”

  “I need a room for two weeks, please. I’m not sure how long I’ll be staying, so would it be possible to extend my stay past the two weeks if necessary?” I suddenly feel uncomfortable. Her gaze is piercing. Why does this feel like an interview?

  “Do you have family in town?” Evelyn talks as she types on the computer.

  “No family, just me. First time to New Hampshire.” I’m beginning to sweat.

  “What brings you to Wolfton? Not much for tourists to do around here. Two weeks seems like a long time.” She isn’t looking at me, but I sense she’s watching me closely as she works.

  “Not sure yet. Supposed to meet a friend here. They’re still a few days behind, so I thought I’d make myself comfortable and get to know the town. Do you know where I can get something to eat?” My nervousness must be noticeable. I try to relax and sound normal. I don’t like lying about meeting someone. Hopefully, it will buy me some time to figure out a better plan.

  “I have a room for you. I’ll need your driver’s license and a credit card to charge the room to. You can stay as long as you need. Let me know at least a day in advance when you plan to check out.” Sliding a piece of paper across the counter, she continues. “Please complete the top half, initial here and here, complete the information about your vehicle, and sign at the bottom.”

  “Thank you. I’ve been driving for a while. It will be nice to rest.” I complete the registration and slide it back to her, along with my driver’s license and credit card.

  “There are only two places to eat in town. The diner a few blocks back on the corner is good if you’re looking for more of a sit-down meal. Dakota’s Pub around the corner is good for a burger and a beer. But it can get loud later in the day. I serve coffee and doughnuts on the weekends here in the lobby.

  “Your room is one fourteen. Go out this door and to your left. You can park in front of the door to your room. We have a coin laundry if you need it. Just come here to the lobby and I’ll show you where it is. The ice machine is broken, but there is a new refrigerator and microwave in your room. We don’t have internet, and cell service up here on the mountain can be unpredictable. The phone in your room will make local calls only. If you want to call long distance, you’ll need to come in here and use my phone.”

  She passes the key across the counter. “Enjoy your stay, and if you need anything, let me know. I live in an apartment in the back, so I’m here all the time.”

  “Thank you, Evelyn. I really do appreciate your help. As soon as I know if I need to extend my stay, I’ll be sure to tell you.” I put the room key in my pocket and my license and credit card back in my wallet. She still uses actual keys. I love it.

  Leaving the lobby to go to my room, I think about Sarah. I’ll call her later to let her know where I am. She won’t like hearing that cell service is spotty and phone calls won’t happen that often. I’m actually a little relieved by that bit of information. Now, I have the freedom to find my way without daily updates and questions I won’t know the answer to.

  My room is clean and has all the basics. Two full-size beds, a desk with a chair, and a television on the dresser. The split-pea-soup green, mustard yellow, and brown décor is interesting. I like the view of the woods out of the window. It’s temporary and the price is low, so for now the 1970s charm will have to do.

  ◆◆◆

  The diner is exactly where Evelyn said it was. I should have offered to bring her something back. She sure seemed suspicious of me. I’ll sit away from people so that no one notices me. OK, not so much. Every person in the place is staring at me as I walk across the room. It’s so quiet that I think even the music has stopped. Don’t trip. Don’t trip. Yes, made it to the corner booth. Now don’t look up.

  The diner has the same 1970s charm as the lodge. Bench seat booths run along the windows in the front. A lunch counter sits along the back wall with the kitchen behind it. Between the booths and the counter are square tables. They’re rotated and look like diamonds across the dining room. There’s an old-fashioned cash register at the end of the counter with a sign reading Cash Only. A lot of chrome décor with accents of jade green and light pink. I like it. It feels relaxed.

  “Hello, darling. You must be Ashley. I’m Ruth Ann. Evelyn said she had a new guest at the lodge. She didn’t mention how pretty you are. What brings you to our side of the mountain?” Ruth Ann places a glass of water and a menu on the table. All the other people in the diner are still staring and waiting patiently for my answer.

  Ruth Ann is middle-aged and round with graying hair. She looks like the grandmother who bakes cookies in the afternoon for the neighborhood kids. She and Evelyn must keep the rumor mill well oiled. I was in the lobby talking to Evelyn less than an hour ago. I guess small towns are the same everywhere.

  “Ah, just visiting. Meeting a friend.” I can feel the heat rising up my neck.

  “Oh yeah? Who’s your friend? I know everyone in this town and the surrounding area. I’ve lived here my whole life. I like your accent. Are you from the South?” Ruth Ann is eagerly awaiting my answers.

  “Yes. Charleston, South Carolina. Do you have any specials? I’ve been driving for a few days and really need a good home-cooked meal. Do you recommend anything?” Please, please, please
. I hope I can distract her away from the questions with food talk. I’m not ready to answer any questions.

  “I went to Myrtle Beach once a long time ago. Too hot for me. I prefer it up here in the mountains. The special tonight is corned beef and cabbage. Would you like anything to drink besides water? We don’t serve alcohol, but the coffee is strong.” She waits for my order, her pen ready.

  “Water is fine, and I’ll have the special. It sounds good.” I pass the menu back to her.

  “OK. I’ll put your order in and let you get settled. After the rush clears out, I’ll come back, and we can get to know each other better.” Walking away, she puts her pen behind her ear.

  I have a feeling Ruth Ann is quite the bulldog. I don’t think I’m going to get out of here without revealing some juicy gossip. Oh, Mr. Wolf, please don’t abandon me now.

  The corned beef and cabbage tasted good. Most of the people have cleared out, and it’s much quieter. The environment is welcoming and homey. I’m sure I’ll be eating here a lot in the weeks to come.

  Ruth Ann slides into the seat across from me. “How was your dinner, sweetie? Can I get you anything else?”

  “No, thank you. It was good and very filling. I’m so tired. I’ll probably go to bed early.” Will she take the hint and let me escape?

  “I understand. Evelyn says you’re here for two weeks. We’ll have plenty of time to get to know one another. This is the only place in town to get breakfast, so will I see you in the morning?” She stands up and starts clearing the table.

  “Yes, Ruth Ann, you will. I can’t start the day without coffee. How much do I owe you?” I reach into my purse for my wallet.

  “Today it’s on me. Welcome to Wolfton. You sleep well tonight, and I’ll see you soon.” She walks away with the dirty dishes.

  “Thank you so much. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Oh, I have a feeling I’m going to be paying for that dinner in information, lots of information. That Ruth Ann is a tricky one.

  ◆◆◆

  I lie in bed, staring at the ceiling. It’s still dark outside and the sound of an owl hooting out the window is relaxing. My wolf did not let me down, but the dream was different this time. Instead of wanting me to follow, he made a demand of sorts. He was sitting on the porch of a house that has a for-sale sign in the front yard. The sign read Barnback Realty.

  My feelings about the dream are mixed. Partly comforted by the dream: I followed the trail and seem to have ended up in the right place. I’m also scared, really scared. Getting in a car and driving is easy. At any time, I can turn back and put an end to all of this. I haven’t done anything so far that can’t be undone. There’s a backdoor, an easy out, and a sense of control. Buying a house changes that somehow. This one action feels like it closes that backdoor. This one action seems permanent, fully committed, and all in: no matter what. Does the wolf know what it’s asking? I’ve come this far, but do I really know what I’m doing?

  I’m pretty sure there will be no way to go about this portion of the quest without Evelyn and Ruth Ann finding out. They’ll grab on to this piece of information like a juicy bone. Maybe I should just ask them up front and get their help in the beginning. Then there won’t be anything to gossip about. I’ll have to think about that some more.

  Wow, the diner is packed for breakfast.

  “Ashley, sweetie, I saved you a spot over here at the bar.” Ruth Ann waves me toward the end of the counter. “Give me a minute and I’ll get you some coffee.” She hurries off in the opposite direction.

  “Thank you, Ruth Ann. No hurry.” I take my assigned seat and look around the diner, trying to feel like I belong. Still getting lots of stares, but it seems that most of the conversations have resumed. I must be old news already. Good.

  Turning back to the counter, a cup of steaming coffee has magically appeared in front of me. Perfect. The man next to me slides the creamer across the counter.

  “Thank you,” I say to him. He responds with a simple nod in my direction, and I’m perfectly fine with that.

  As I sip my coffee, I notice the local newspaper the man is reading. The opposite page has an advertisement for Barnback Realty, and I can’t tell, but I think there’s a phone number at the bottom of the ad. Hold on a second, that was too easy. I didn’t have to trade information with Ruth Ann or anything. Now, where do I get a copy of the paper?

  ◆◆◆

  A polite voice answers after only a few rings. “Barnback Realty. Amanda Barnback speaking. How may I help you?”

  “Hello, Ms. Barnback. My name is Ashley Carson, and I would like to look at a few properties in Wolfton. Can you help me with that? I’m currently staying at the Wolfton Motor Lodge. Do you know the place?” I would prefer to do this in person, but I called as soon as I left the diner. The man who had the paper left it on the counter, making it easy to get the information I needed.

  “Yes, I can help you. And please call me Amanda. I heard Evelyn had a new guest at the lodge. The market in this area is a bit finicky, but we can see what we can come up with. I’m available this morning if you’d like to get started today. My office is on Main Street, just down from the diner.”

  “Yes, that’s perfect. I’ll be there in about an hour.” As I hang up the phone, I’m taken aback by how smoothly this seems to be going. Seriously, what kind of wolf am I dealing with?

  After a quick trip back to my room to drop off some supplies I picked up from the grocery store, I head to the realty office. I get that nervous feeling again as I walk through the door. It’s a small space, only one desk. I don’t think there’s a receptionist. I don’t see anyone else either.

  “Hello. You must be Ashley. I’m Amanda. It’s nice to meet you in person. Welcome to Wolfton. What brings you to our town?” Entering from a narrow hallway, Amanda takes a seat behind the desk.

  Man, why does everyone ask me that question? “That’s a long story, one that’s best told with lots of wine. Anyway, I’m looking for a house. And I know this is going to sound strange, but it’s a very specific house that I don’t know much about. I do know that it’s in Wolfton, that there might be a lake or pond in the back, that it’s surrounded by woods or lots of trees, and that it has a front porch and your For Sale sign in the front yard.”

  “OK. That’s a start. What’s the address?” She looks at me with her hands on the keyboard, ready to go.

  “I don’t know where the house is exactly. I’ve never been there. I told you all I know. Oh, it might be brown or have wood trim.” A nervous sweat is running down my back, and I’m pretty sure I’m fueling the rumor mill for years to come. My craziness will be legendary in these parts.

  “OK. At least we have a starting point.” She moves to prop her elbows on her desk and knots her fingers together. “Can I ask you a few questions?” She looks inconvenienced, as if she doesn’t think I’m serious. Is she going to dismiss me?

  “Look, Amanda, I know that my request seems a bit unusual. The whole story as to why I’m here would definitely tie it up with a pretty red bow made of crazy. I need to find this house, and if I can afford it, I need to buy it. My reasons are my own, and I promise there is nothing illegal about it. I know that I’m an outsider and that you have no reason to trust me, but can you please help me find this house? I’ll be a quiet member of the community, I promise.” I hold my breath as I wait for her response.

  Looking across the desk at me sternly, several minutes go by before Amanda smiles. “I think we have enough to work with. If I show you some pictures, do you think you would be able to recognize the house?”

  “Yes, a picture would be perfect.” The relief is welcome, and my shoulders finally relax.

  “Great. Just give me a few minutes to pull up some options that come to mind. Would you like some coffee while you wait? This might take a while. Try to remember anything you can. Every detail will be helpful.” Her computer comes to life as she taps at the keyboard.

  “No, thank you. Ruth Ann’s coffee is strong. And I don’
t mind waiting. I know my request is odd.” I try to relax in the chair. Deep breath in, deep breath out.

  Amanda Barnback is taller than me and very slim. She looks like a runner. Her long, straight brown hair is up in a sleek ponytail. She is very professional. I get the feeling she has worked hard to be where she is. I probably ruined a potential friendship with all my craziness. I really need to work on that.

  After a few minutes, Amanda turns the computer around to face me. “This is what I have so far. There aren’t that many, but as we go through each one, please try to give me your input. By telling me what’s wrong about each one, maybe I can use that information to figure out the right one.”

  “OK, I’m ready.” Wow, this is happening so fast.

  “The first three are in town but are on sizable lots. The fourth one is just outside of town and is adjacent to the national park, which makes the property seem larger than it really is. It’s also the only one by water. And the last one is the largest property. It’s also the farthest from town and the most isolated.” Amanda slowly scrolls through the properties in order.

  I shake my head as I point to the first property. “The porch isn’t big enough and there aren’t enough trees.”

  The second one moves up the screen into view. “No. This one is way too small.”

  The third one comes into view. “Nope, the garage is on the wrong side. And I think the garage may be bigger, maybe for multiple cars.”

  “This is all good information that will help me find what you’re looking for. Don’t get discouraged. We just started the search, and I already have more information than I did a few minutes ago.” As she talks, she slowly scrolls to the fourth property.