THE BLUE STALKER

by BROWN, JEAN AVERY

  “What the hell was that?” The husky man yelled.

  The adrenalin kicked in and Ella ran as fast as lightning streaking across the night sky in a storm. A couple lots away she fell in a muddy hole and didn’t move. A flashlight shined across the empty lots. The light didn’t spot Ella. The man cursed and turned the flashlight off. Ella managed to pull herself from the muddy hole. Limping she made her way back to the station wagon. She started up the engine and slowly backed away from the drop-house.

  Ella drove back to the shop wondering why Juan returned after dropping off her dinner. The shop was dark when Ella drove up front. She knocked at the door.

  “Juan, open the door.” Ella yelled. Juan opened the door letting Ella in and immediately locked the door.

  “Juan, where are the young men?” Ella asked.

  “They are sleeping in the back room. What shall we do?” Juan asked.

  “I don’t know, let me think.. They can sleep here tonight. Do you know when the farmer’s truck will be here?” Ella asked Juan.

  “Day after tomorrow I think.” Juan said.

  “Okay, we have to keep them safe. It’s best we take them to the house. They can sleep in the garage. Tomorrow you can stay at home and do some yard work. I wouldn’t leave them there with Maria home alone. We don’t know them.” Ella told Juan.

  “Ms Ella, why are your jeans so dirty and why do you have that gun in your waist?” Juan asked.

  “Oh my god, I forgot it was there. She pulled the gun from her waist. Put it in her purse and didn’t answer Juan. “I have lots to tell you, Juan. Ella locked up shop and the four headed to Ella’s.

  Ella found two sleeping bags to sleep in and a couple of blow up rafts in the garage for Carlos and Luis to sleep on. Ella had them come in the back through the wash room to clean up. Juan brought two sets of clothes down for Carlos and Luis.

  “I’ll throw their clothes in the washer.” Juan said.

  While the young men were getting cleaned up Maria fixed them a plate of leftovers from the pot roast dinner she and her family enjoyed earlier that evening.

  “Thank you so much ma’am.” The two young men told Maria. “This food is very good.”

  Carlos and Luis retired for the night. Not knowing what their tomorrow would bring. Day after tomorrow they will catch the farmer’s truck and go on to the farm?” They were very thankful for Juan and Ella’s help. They will spread the word about the good people at the flower shop in Coopersville.

  Ella and Juan talked into the wee hours of the morning. Wondering what they should do. Ella shared with Juan the activities going on at the drop-house she found that night. She knows Sheriff Brady hasn’t done much about finding out what happened to Paul and Nellie. She doesn’t feel they can turn the drop-house location into the sheriff.

  FOURTEEN

  The next morning Maria prepared a nice breakfast for everyone.

  “Senorita Maria, this is very good, we really appreciate your kindness.” Carlos said.

  “You’re welcome.” Maria said as she passed the jam around the table.

  “One night we like you were knocking on Ms. Ella’s shop door she took us in. She’s an angel sent from heaven to help us.” Maria told the young men.

  “I believe that is true, she is an angel.” Luis said between bites.

  “It is true, you can count on that.” Juan agreed with the others.

  “Enough of that talk,’ Ella said. “I just do what I think is right. Carlos, you and Luis spend the day here. I suggest you stay mostly in the backyard in case someone drives by. I don’t want anyone to see you. They might have too many questions.” Ella told them.

  “We understand Ms. Ella.” Carlos said. “We will be on our way tomorrow morning to the fields. We’re excited about being in this country. We plan to work hard and make a better life. There is no way we can repay you for your kindness.” Carlos said.

  “Carlos, Luis remembers this you can pay me back by helping someone you see in need.” Ella said as she pushed her chair back from the table. Ella dabbed the corner of her mouth and laid her napkin on her plate. Politely excusing herself she stood up and asked Juan to walk her to the car. Juan and Ella made their way to Ella’s car. When they got to the car Ella leaned back on the fender and asked Juan. “Why did you come back to the shop last night?”

  “It was sorta a gut feeling. You know how you feel when you have a feeling you should do something. I was having the truck serviced at the truck stop. I overheard a couple guys talking about a new drop-house. I remembered back when my family and I were in need, you took us in. Something just came over me to get back to the shop.”

  “I’m glad you came back. I was so scared my body was trembling. Do you mind tomorrow morning early taking Carlos and Luis to meet the farmer’s truck?” Ella asked.

  “I would be happy to Ms. Ella, they are my brothers. They come from the same life I came from. Not knowing if tomorrow there would be food to eat. Or, where we can find work. Some of the people’s homes have dirt floors; some don’t have a bed to sleep on. Many don’t have electricity or even a bathroom. We took showers with a hose in the back yard. We are poor people looking for a better life. We know it is wrong to come without the proper papers but we could never afford to get the paperwork taken care of. We just hope we can be a part of this great country. We don’t want a hand out we want to work and make our own way.” Juan said choking back the tears.

  Ella put her arm around Juan’s shoulder and said. “You’ve made it to the promise land. It’s up to you what you do with your opportunity.” Ella said giving Juan a pat on the back.

  “I must get to the shop, there is much to do.” Ella remarked

  Ella made her way to the shop just in time to meet a delivery truck. A young man put his hand out as he introduced himself.

  “Hi, I’m Tony and my boss told me to stop and get acquainted with the owner. Are you the owner?” Tony asked as he reached to shake Ella’s hand.

  “That would be me.” Ella said as she put her hand in his.

  “I deliver for Fred’s Wholesale Flowers. We have the best flowers in the valley. We also have our own nursery and can supply you with beautiful green or blooming plants.”

  Ella was happy to meet Tony. She was hoping they would stop by on their rounds.

  “How many deliveries do you make up this way a week?” Ella asked.

  “We come by on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. “You will need to call in your order before noon the day before the delivery day.” Tony informed Ella.

  “What about Monday deliveries, when should we call our order in?” Ella asked.

  “You can call on Friday or leave a message on the answering machine before noon on Saturday.” Tony told her.

  “Fair enough Tony.” Ella said with a smile.

  Come on in and take a look at the shop. We are opening on Monday.” Ella told him.

  “Next Monday…next Monday?” He questioned.

  “Yes, next Monday.” Ella confirmed the opening day with Tony.

  “Well, lady you best get an order in pretty quick. You need to stock this store. Sure would be bad to open and not have any fresh merchandise.” He laughed.

  “I’ll get my order ready and have it to you tomorrow morning.”

  “I best be on my way. Margo’s Flower Shop in Pottsville will be chomping at the bit if I don’t get her order there on time. She pretty much takes care of the flower business in these here parts. But I’m sure you will do well.” Tony said looking around the sparsely furnished shop.

  Ella wasn’t worried about the competition and hoped she and Margo could be good friends sharing flowers and plants when the occasion arose.

  Ron and Susan came walking up just about eight o’clock.

  “Morning you two.” Ella said with a wave.

  “Good morning Ella.” They said as they climbed the steps to the shop.

  “Here are the plans I promised. I hope you approve of them.” Ron said as he handed Ella the roll
of paper. Ella unrolled the eighteen by twenty four inch drafting paper. Her eyes became big as saucers.

  “This is great. You are so talented. Thank you so much for getting this back to me.” Ella smiled as she rolled the plan for the sign sliding it back in the cylinder.

  “I’m going to get them down to city hall and hopefully get it approved today.” I’m sure you all can find something to do while I’m gone.

  “Of course Ella we will get busy.” They said in unison.

  Ella marched into city hall with plans for her sign under arm. The clerk took the long tube slid the plan out of the cylinder and gave it a quick look, rolled the plan and just as quickly dropped it back in it’s cylinder.

  “Have a seat while I show this to the planning department.” She said as she walked through the door to the planning department. Within moments she returned empty handed.

  “Miss Smith the mayor would like to meet you.” She said gesturing Ella to the big oak door.

  Ella grabbed her overstuffed purse, tugged at her skirt and followed the receptionist to the mayor’s office. Behind the double doors sat a handsome man in his late forties, slightly graying at the temples. He stood up as Ella entered the room. His long arm stretched across the big desk he commanded. Although he looked somewhat casual in an open collar white shirt. His black slacks were neatly creased. “Miss Smith, I’m Ray Brandon, the mayor of this fine city, have a seat.” He said as he extended his hand to her.

  “Nice to meet you sir.” Ella said as she felt the long slim fingers grasp her hand.

  “Oh, drop the sir, call me Ray. He said with a flirtatious smile.

  “Ray it will be. Are you related to Mark Brandon, what a silly question? Of course you are. Ella said.

  “Mark’s my little brother.” He said giving a big brother smile. “I’m sure you met him. He gets to know all the new people in town, especially the pretty ladies.”

  “Yes, his my shop landlord and he sold me the lodge house on the outskirts of town. I guess that would be your grandmother’s home place.”

  “Yes that it would be. Just about all us Brandon’s lived in that place one time or another.”

  After chatting a short time Ella stood up. “It was nice meeting you Mr. ’excuse me’ Ray. I need to get back to the shop there’s lots to do before we open on Monday.” Ella said extending her hand to say, “Nice to meet you.”

  “You plan to open on Monday well we best get this plan approved.” With a flip of his wrist he scrolled his name across the plan.

  “Well, thank you, Mr. ‘I mean’ Ray.” Ella smiled. “I owe you for getting this done so quickly.” She said.

  He smiled he sat back in his chair and cracked his knuckles. Ella smiled as she walked through the double doors.

  The receptionist raised her brow as Ella walked past her. Ella nodding a good -bye as she made her way out the door with stamped and signed plans in hand wondering what kind of favors this warrants. Ella wasn’t worried as she knew how to handle his type. Remember she’s been on the corporate ladder.

  Ella drove directly to the sign company. She walked in with plans under her arm.

  “I need to have a sign made for my shop.” She told the gentleman at the counter.

  “You’ll need to get your sign approved by the city. Mayor Ray Brandon will need to sign it off. Ma’am I hate to tell you but that sometimes takes months.

  “I’ve taken care of that.” Ella said as she placed the plans on his counter.

  “You have?” He said with a bewildered look on his face. The man behind the counter and his young assistant looked at the plans.

  “This is a very professional drawing. I don’t recognize the signature.” The young man said.

  “He’s a good friend of mine. Ella said as she smoothed out the plans.

  “It looks like everything is in order. We can get right on this.” He said.

  They went over the drawing inch by inch down to the last detail.

  “I want cursive letters in forest green with a rose stem across the bottom and a partially open red rose at the end of the word ’Shoppe’…… I want it laminated with a timer.” She added. “But I guess everything is spelled out on the plan. I just want to be sure we don’t miss anything.”

  They agreed on a price.

  “I believe we have everything in order. We require a deposit up front. He said in a shy manner.

  “Of course, how much for the deposit?” Ella asked as she pulled her checkbook from her overstuffed purse.

  “We ask for fifty percent deposit but if that’s too much we could take less.” He said in a questionable voice. Hoping that would suit her.

  “When will you have the sign ready?” Ella asked as she wrote the deposit check.

  “We should have it ready to install by Saturday.” The older gentleman said.

  “Saturday, that would be fantastic. We are opening on Monday.” Ella said as she put the cap on her pen, tore the check from her book and handed it to the gentleman.

  “Do you gentlemen know of a good vehicle sign painter?” Ella asked.

  “As a matter of fact that’s my forte.” The young man told her.

  “Can I see pictures of your work?” Ella asked.

  “I just finished with the local donut shops van sign and it’s in the back, if you’d like to see it.” He pointed to the door leading to the back. Ella followed him through the back room to the alley.

  “This is some of my work.” He said with pride. “I can show you my scrap book with my work if you would like to see it.”

  “No, that won’t be necessary. I’m looking at the man I want to paint my sign. You are a talented young man. I will leave you the particulars I want on the van and you call me when you have something drawn up.” She told him.

  “What type van do you have, ma’am?” He asked

  “It’s being delivered today. It’s a new tan Chevy van.

  “How many days before I can see the drawing?” She asked.

  “How about you stop by tomorrow noon? I will have something for you to look at.”

  “I’ll be here at noon tomorrow.”

  Noon, she thought the van is being delivered at noon and I need to be at the shop to sign for it.

  Ella hurried out the door in route to her shop. A tan van was parked in front of the shop with Ron and Susan checking it over. In fact the jeweler from across the street was giving it the once over. And the lady from the dress shop next door stuck her head out the door to say, “Nice van.” As she gestured a hello good-bye wave.

  “Hi,” Ella said as she drove up and hopped from the station wagon.

  “What do you think, Ron?” This gonna fit the bill for a delivery vehicle?” She asked with a grin.

  “Well, of course Ms. Ella. When did you buy this, its real nice rig?” Ron said as he closed the hood.

  “Yesterday.” She answered. I’m having a sign put on it and the young man at the sign shop is drawing up something. I’ll have the drawing by noon tomorrow.” Ella told him.

  Ella ate lunch alone at Joe’s Coffee House. Again, Joe tried to sell her on the “Special of the Day’. Ella declined and ordered a Caesar Salad. Ella feels pretty safe with Joe’s Caesar Salad.

  Mark and Ray Brandon entered the restaurant jut as Ella was taking care of her bill at the front register.

  “Well, what a surprise Ella, so nice to see you again so soon.’ Ray said as Mark stumbled over the rug wadded up at the front door.

  “Dang it, Joe,” Mark yelled, “You’re gonna have a lawsuit on your hands if you don’t do something about this rug.”

  Once Mark gained his balance he tipped his hat and said, “Howdy ma’am.” They exchanged hello’s and Ella excused herself and was on her way to the printing shop to place an order.

  Ella ordered business cards, three page order sheets and a three by five card with a place to put the name, address and phone number for the drawing on Friday evening. She also ordered rolls of gold foil sticker’s with ‘Ally’s Flow
er Shoppe’ accented with a red rose. The foil stickers will go on all orders. The red rose is in memory of Ella’s mother’s love for red roses.

  Ella made her way back to the shop. Alicia, Ron and Susan were busy putting things in order. Alicia made good use of the work room. Juan set the work tables where customers would have a good view of the floral designers at work.

  Ella stood back and took a good hard look at the shop.

  “This place looks so good and you are all a part of it.” Ella told them.

  The day was at an end and the crew gathered up their belongings and headed out the door. Alicia got in her big sedan, waved as she drove off. Ron and Susan started to walk home she Ella called to them. Ron turned just as Ella said, “here you go.’ Tossing the van keys to Ron.

  “Ella, I can’t drive your new van home.” He said in almost shock at the offer.

  “Yes, it will be safer at your place than setting in front of the shop. The sheriff only drives by once in a blue moon.” Ella said.

  “Okay,” He said as he opened the passenger door helping Susan into the van.

  “Thank you, Ella.” Ron said as Ella drove off in her old station wagon.

  Ella made it home just as Maria was setting the table. The house smelled of Mexican food.

  “Yummy.” Ella said as she put her belongings in her room. “This place smells like a Mexican restaurant.”

  “I thought the boys would like some Mexican cooking tonight.” Maria said as she put the last bowl on the table.

  Maria called the men from the back door. “Dinner is ready. Get washed up. I know you must be hungry.”

  Ella took a look into the backyard to see her yard free of weeds.

  “Oh my, the yard looks fantastic.” She said with a big smile.

  Juan and the young men got washed up for dinner. They all sat around the table. Juan put his hands out and each followed suit bowing their heads.

  “Carlos, thank you so much for weeding the back yard.” Ella said. “It looks so nice.”

  “Oh, ma’am it’s the least we could do. You have saved us from harm maybe even death.”