THE BLUE STALKER

by BROWN, JEAN AVERY

  “I think you will find some in the shed out back.” Ella said as she looked at the mower.

  Juan managed to get the boards placed on the truck and slowly rolled the mower off the truck. He jumped in the seat, turned the ignition on and took it for a spin down the driveway.

  “Ms. Ella, it runs great. I can mow this acre in no time.” He said enthusiastically.

  TWENTY-ONE

  Monday mornings are usually busy in a flower shop. And this was no exception. Tony the flower delivery guy was knocking at the back door just as Alicia was unlocking the front door.

  “Just a minute, I’m coming!” Alicia yelled in her blunt tone of voice.

  She opened the door just as Tony was laying a bunch of pompoms daisies on the step and heading back to the truck for more flowers.

  “Morning Alicia.” He said as he jumped in the back of the cooler box truck to fetch more flowers.

  Alicia stood at the back of the truck as he loaded her down with flowers.

  “Did you get my Stargazers?” Alicia asked as he hopped off the truck.

  “Sure did, Ma’am.” Tony said wiping his hands on his pants.

  “It aint Ma’am, it’s Alicia.” She turned to Tony as they walked back in the shop.

  “As you wish Alicia.” Tony said.

  Tony and Alicia checked off the inventory.

  “I need your ‘X’ right here Alicia.” Tony said as he handed her the bill.

  Alicia signed the bill and joked. “Sure hope I don’t have to pay for this.”

  “I can only take authorized signatures and your name is on the list.” Tony told her.

  Alicia wondered why Ella would trust her to sign for the flowers and felt proud to know she trusted her.

  Ella walked through the front door just in time for Tony to give her a good morning and a hearty good-bye.

  “Is everything taken care of Tony?” Ella asked as she took her coat off and hung it on the peg in the back room.

  “My boss put you on a monthly payment schedule. Anyone authorized in the shop can sign for your order.”

  “Good, did Alicia sign.” Ella asked.

  “Yes, I have her signature right here.” Tony said holding up the clip board for Ella to see Alicia’s signature.

  “Tony, have a good day and tell Margo in Pottsville hello from the crew at Ally’s Flower Shoppe.

  “You got it Ella.” Tony said as he closed the back door.

  While this was going on Ron and Susan entered the store and started working. Susan was giving the thirsty plants a drink and Ron was filling buckets with warm water and flower preservatives.

  Alicia said with a bossy tone. “I’ve got orders to get out. You three process the flowers.”

  Floral designer’s will get out of processing the flowers if they can find a way. They are also persnickety with their floral designs and Alicia is definitely a floral designer. She is very particular about every stem that goes in her arrangements.

  Ella liked Alicia’s take charge attitude. She just might have to make her manager when the shop gets busier.

  When the phone rang Susan ran to the front to answer the call.

  “Good morning Ally’s Flower Shoppe.” Susan said with a smile on her face.

  “Why yes, we can get an order out today. What would you like?”

  The customer on the other end talked for some time before Susan could say anything. Susan was writing frantically. She got the name, address and phone number of the recipient, the deliver time, the order and the note on the card.

  “We can guarantee morning or afternoon deliveries. You have a nice day and thank you for the order.”

  “That’s our first phone in order.” Ella said with a big grin.

  “Alicia, let’s make up two dozen bud vases with fall colors and I will have Ron deliver them to local businesses and government offices.” Ella said.

  “Great idea.” Alicia said as she turned to Ron. Get me a box of bud vases from the storage room like this.” Alicia said as she held up a bud vase for Ron to see.

  Ron filled the vases from a container that already had preservatives in it. He sat them in a row in the middle of the large work table. Ella and Alicia each had their own work station. There was a large four by eight work table in the middle of the work room behind Ella and Alicia’s work stations. The big table is great for cleaning flowers and will work well on holiday.

  Alicia and Ella and Susan helped finish the two dozen bud vases. Susan attached a Happy Thanksgiving card along with a business card to the back of a long plastic fork and stuck it in the vase. Ron loaded up and headed out making deliveries.

  At closing time on Monday Ella invited everyone for Thanksgiving dinner at her house. Ron and Susan accepted but as Ella expected Alicia had plans with her family.

  “What time would you like us to be at your home?” Ron asked.

  “It would be nice if you could come around noon. We won’t serve dinner before two o’clock. This will give everyone time to visit and Susan you can help Maria and myself in the kitchen.” Ella said with a smile.

  “What shall I bring?” Susan asked.

  “It’s not necessary for you to bring anything. Maria did all the shopping last week. Maria has everything under control, but thank you for offering.” Ella said.

  Thanksgiving week was busy starting with order on Saturday. As Thanksgiving day drew near the orders started coming in one after the other. The crew worked into the evening getting the arrangements out before Thanksgiving day. Ron was running his legs off going from one house to another delivering beautiful centerpieces. Juan put away his work tools at the house and became a delivery man. For the last two days before Thanksgiving day.

  At closing on Wednesday Ella called everyone into the work room.

  “I’m thrilled at the business we’ve done the past few days. I thank you all for working over time and doing a fantastic job.” Ella knew how to treat people and their checks reflected it.

  “You are welcome Ella.” They said in unison.

  Ella drove straight home after closing the shop. On her drive home she wondered how Frank would like Linda’s family. She wondered how serious they were. He couldn’t be too serious since he spent time with her just a few days ago. Ella thought as she drove home.

  “Hello everyone.” Ella said as she came through the door.

  “We already had dinner can I fix you a plate, Ms. Ella?” Maria asked.

  That would be nice Maria. These feet are pretty tired. There’s a lot of work to do at the flower shop.” Ella said pulling her shoes off and rubbing her tired feet.

  “I hope it’s okay. I called my Mom and got recipes for our Thanksgiving dinner.” Maria told Ella.

  “Of course it’s okay. How is your mother?” Ella politely asked.

  “She’s good, she’s very lonely since we moved out and her sister died. She’s living alone in the small village. She’s very sad. We hope maybe someday she can come to visit.” Maria said as she fixed Ella a plate of dinner.

  An idea sprang into Ella’s generous head. Maybe I can surprise Maria with a visit from her mother for Christmas. Ella thought, I’ll work on it.

  Thanksgiving morning the Smith/Hernandez house smelled of turkey roasting in the oven. Maria got up early and prepared the turkey for roasting. Since this was her first turkey and she was a little apprehensive about it. Ella assured her it would be delicious. Ella set the table with a beautiful green tablecloth and adorned it with a fall centerpiece.

  The door bell rang, Juan hurried to the front door with Jose in his arms.

  “Hello, come in.” Juan invited Ron and Susan opening wide the big door.

  Ron had a bottle of sparkling cider in his hand wrapped in foil with a nice fall ribbon. He handed it to Juan.

  “Well, thank you, we‘ll enjoy this with dinner.” Juan said as he took the bottle to the kitchen and put it in the refrigerator.

  Ella came from behind the kitchen wall and greeted her guests.

 
; “Susan, come to the kitchen and leave the guys to watch football.” Ella said wiping her hands on a dish towel.

  Susan made two steps up to the dining room kitchen area.

  “Your home is beautiful.” Susan commented to Ella.

  “Thank you, Juan is going to be refurbishing it. A lot of the furnishings are left over from the previous owners. And some things are mine left over from my previous marriage.

  “I didn’t know you had been married.” Susan said as Maria looked on curiously.

  “Yeah, he’s a great guy, it just didn’t work out, we are still friends.” Ella said as she pulled a chair from the dining table for Susan to set down.

  “No, I don’t need a chair I want to help.” Susan said as she pushed the chair back.

  “Maria, do you have something for Susan to do?’ Ella asked.

  “As a matter of fact I do. Susan will you set the table for us?” Maria asked.

  “Certainly, I would love to. Where are the dishes?”

  “Maria pointed to the everyday dishes in the cupboard behind leaded glass doors.

  “Maria, this is a special day of thanksgiving let’s use the fine china.” Ella said as she pointed to the buffet.

  Susan opened the doors and saw beautiful Lenox china.

  “Ella, this is beautiful china.” Susan said as she picked up a plate and smoothed her hand over it.

  “It belonged to my dad’s mother. She had some fine things.” Ella told her trying to put the expense issue on her ancestors. The linens are in the drawer. You can change the table cloth if you choose.”

  Susan stood dumbfounded as she looked in amazement at the fine china.

  Susan pulled a beautiful gold linen cloth from the buffet with matching napkins. She spread it on the table. Susan started to spread a beautiful crocheted table cloth over the gold linen cloth. Ella gave out a gasp.

  “Is there something wrong Ella?” Susan asked.

  “No, it ’s just perfect, this is a perfect day.” Ella said with her voice choking back the tears.

  “The silverware is in the drawer in the big walnut box and the crystal is in the hutch.” Ella said.

  Susan set the most elegant table. While she was setting the table she wondered what fine stock Ella came from. She knew the value of the items she used to set the table.

  The turkey came from the oven dressed in golden brown. Maria sat it on the counter to rest while she made the gravy.

  “Susan can you put the rolls in the oven and set it on 375 degrees for about 15 minutes or till they are slightly brown.” Maria asked

  “Maria, you know a lot about cooking.” Susan said.

  “I’m just learning, this is my first turkey dinner to make. I’m going by my Mom’s directions. She gave me all the recipes for this dinner.

  Ella took the green bean casserole from the oven. “This smells fantastic. I love green bean casserole. The candied yams came out next and their sweet aroma permeated the room.

  Maria set the turkey at the head of the table. The serving dishes were filled with traditional thanksgiving food.

  Everyone sat at the table Ella asked Juan to set at the head of the table. A chair was removed from the table and Jose’s highchair was pulled up to the table with the tray attached.

  Ron filled the crystal glasses with the sparkling cider. Ella lifted her glass.

  “Everyone I would like to make a toast. To my new friends. May your life be filled with love and may you prosper.” Glasses clinked and everyone took at sip.

  “Juan will you do the honors and carve the turkey?” Ella asked.

  Juan was a little nervous since it was his first time carving a turkey.

  Everyone enjoyed the food and compliments were given to Maria.

  Ella spoke up. “Our ancestors are all immigrants to this country. They all came looking for a better life. Just as many come today looking for a new and better life. I’m proud to be an American and wish you all the best.”

  “Thank you Ms. Ella.” Juan said. “We are happy to live in this country. We are blessed.”

  Maria took the plates from the table and served pumpkin pie with a dollop of heavy whipped cream on top.

  Maria, this is delicious. It’s so smooth and creamy. You have prepared a delicious dinner. Thank you.” Ella told her.

  Everyone complimented Maria on the great food. Maria smiled with satisfaction.

  The ladies cleaned the dishes and the kitchen. Susan carefully put away all the fine china, crystal and silverware. Ella carried the linens to the laundry room. She smell her mothers crocheted tablecloth. No one spilled on it. It still smelled of her mother. Ella carried it to her bedroom and put it in the bottom drawer with her memory books.

  Juan built a fire and everyone stood around the fireplace to warm themselves. Ella mentioned Juan is going to renovate the house. Starting with the interior and working to the outside. I thought he could work on the interior this winter and do the exterior next spring.” Ella said.

  “Do you have an idea of what you want to change?” Ron asked.

  “I do. There are some structure work to be done. The bathrooms need to be gutted and all new cabinets an fixtures need to be installed. The kitchen needs new cabinets an appliances and I want granite countertops. The floors need to be refinished and the walls painted.” Ella told them.

  “I enjoy drawing up plans. I could draw up the plans for your renovation?” Ron offered.

  “That would be nice.” Ella accepted his offer. “That is if you will let me pay you.” Ella said.

  “Okay, if you wish.” Ron accepted the job.

  The sun was dropping behind the mountain. The colors of the sky were golden yellow. It had been a wonderful Thanksgiving Day. New friends, new surrounding and new hope for everyone.

  Ron and Susan excused themselves and made their way home.

  “I’m starting to like living here.” Susan told Ron.

  “Yeah, me too. But we can’t make a good living in a small town. We need to get back to Oklahoma City. When we find Paul and Nellie or find out what happened to them.” Ron said.

  “Do you think the answers are here?“ Susan asked.

  “Could be.” Ron said as he pulled up to the apartment.

  TWENTY-TWO

  Ella woke early thinking about the wonderful time everyone had yesterday. It was so nice to have a family and friends. She wished Frank could have spent the day with her but she understood even though she didn’t want to face reality. She shook it off and looked at the gapping drape allowing the sun to make its mark across her bed. Slowly she pulled her legs off the bed and felt the soft shag carpet between her toes. Stretching as she made her way to the window pulling the drapes back to allow the sunlight to invade the room.

  There was Juan on his riding lawn mower. He looks like a man in control sitting high in the seat of the mower. Ella thought to herself. Juan’s a good man. I hope good things come his way in life.

  Ella showered and readied herself for a day of work. She put on a pair of jeans, a sweatshirt and a pair of sneakers. The station wagon was dirty and she thought she would take it by the ‘do it yourself’ car wash. Something she had never under taken but Coopersville didn’t have a car wash for people that don’t want to get their hands dirty.

  Tony would be knocking at the back door with the flower order. The shop didn’t get much care with all the orders they sent out on Wednesday before Thanksgiving Day.

  Ella noticed a note pad with the name Mom and a phone number. She jotted down the number before Maria could see her. She wanted to call Maria’s mom and invite her to come for Christmas.

  “Maria you need to rest today yesterday was very demanding on you. Maybe you should call your mother and thank her for giving you the recipes.” Ella suggested.

  “Thank you Ms. Ella. I will call her today.” Maria told Ella as she poured Ella and herself a cup of coffee.

  Ella poured milk in her coffee and stirred it in a circle eight turning her spoon in the steaming ho
t coffee.

  “What’s your mother’s name?” Ella asked.

  “My mother’s name is Juanita.” Maria said.

  “What’s her last name?” Ella asked trying not to sound to nosey.

  “Garcia, she lives in a small village in Mexico.” Maria volunteered the information.

  “I miss her and she misses me but she knows I am blessed to be living here. She is happy for me.” Maria shared her mother’s feelings.

  “I can imagine how much you miss each other.” Ella said as she grabbed her leather jacket off the rack behind the kitchen door. Putting one arm in opening the door with the other hand.

  “Have a good day Maria, Ella said as she sipped her coffee and quickly set the cup on the table. Out the door she flew ready for another day in the flower business.

  Ella drove into town enjoying the changing colors of the trees. When she go to the turn off for Ninth Street, she thought, should she drive by the drop-house? She decided to go against her better judgment and drive down Ninth Street.

  As she slowly crept down the street kids dressed in sock hats and parkas were playing football in the street. Their breath was evidenced in the cold air. She waved as they stepped to the side of the street allow Ella to make her way past the drop-house.

  The green van was gone. “Thank goodness! The FBI has finally raided the place. Ella felt a sense of relief. Relieved from the worry of the condition of the Mexican men.

  Ella felt she and Frank had taken care of the situation the best they knew how. Now the FBI would be able to get rid of the Cartel connection in this town. Or, would they?

  Ella drove back to Main Street and headed for the shop. Tony had dropped off the order and the crew was processing flowers and cleaning the shop.

  “Good morning everyone.” Ella said with a smile on her face.

  “Good morning Ella.” They sang back as if they were a choir.

  “Well, look at that I think Ella came dressed for

  work today.” Alicia said as she handed Ella the broom.

  “Oh, Alicia that broom doesn’t fit my hand. In all my years I haven’t found a broom my size.” Ella said with a laugh grabbing hold of the broom with Alicia holding tight. The ladies laughed and Alicia continued with the sweeping.