by Cara Charles
It was dark in there and she had the advantage. She didn’t breathe.
He tried the lights. Nothing. He flipped the mattress over and then, the box spring.
Elise kicked the door shut. She came out from behind the door with the lamp, hit him in the lower corner of his skull meant to knock him out, but she shattered the cheap lamp, instead. It staggered him, but it didn’t deck him.
He turned on her, enraged.
Her old Tae Kwon Do kicked in and she defended herself.
Sirens were coming.
“I need help in here!” Elise yelled.
She could feel people out on the balcony, frozen stiff.
“Why’d you take my fucking dog, lady?”
“Look at you! You’re raving. He’d be dead in a month! And you know it.”
“All I want is my dog, ma’am.”
“He’s mine now. You had your chance. Get out before I hurt you! Bad.”
“I’m going to have to make my point, ma’am,” he growled, and came at her, his hands balled into ham-sized fists.
She dodged him, then kicked him square in the groin.
Elise pulled his head and face into her knee hard. His nose cartilage cracked.
She swung hard at the back corner of his skull with the other lamp.
He was so stunned because he went down on all fours, crumpling.
Elise kneed him in the face, the solar plexus, after three more chest blows with the lamp base.
He fell flat on his face.
To keep him down, Elise kicked him hard in the ribs on both sides. Immobilized now, and probably unconscious, Elise rolled him on his side and kicked him square in the nuts.
“That’s for Buddy and everyone else you’ve bullied!”
Elise opened the door, dropped her bags over the rail, and scooped up a cowering Buddy from the bathtub. He wagged his tail, glad it was her. She grabbed her purse and fled the room.
“It’s OK, Buddy. You’re safe. It’s OK. You’re all useless! Useless! When a woman cries out for help, help her, you imbeciles!!” she screamed at the people peeking out of their curtains as she got her stuff and Buddy into the car.
She sped out of the parking lot, glancing up at the empty balcony and headed to the north on-ramp.
When Doug/“Bluto” came to, he couldn’t walk, his skull, face, balls, and ribs screamed.
“Jesus and the Apostles,” he held an ice pack to his balls and looked at his face in the shattered mirror. He pressed speed dial on his cell, and his caller picked up.
“Skills...” ‘God, his nuts, everything hurt like hell,’ “very current.”
“Bluto” limped out of the complex just as a lone B&W pulled into the parking lot.
He got laughed at when his companion saw the condition he was in, “She kicked your ass, quite impressively.”
“Next time, it’s your turn. I think I left my right nut back there.”
They headed north in a Black Escalade as part of the rear guard METAPHOR security detail tracking Elise and Buddy, while someone else drove his rig with the sexy mud flaps, back to L.A.
Elise drove twelve hours straight to Roseburg Oregon, found an old motel far off the highway, then she and Buddy slept like the dead.
Elise drove like hell once she was in Washington despite their 60 mph rule, and made the Anacortes ferry as the last car on. Luck was on her side. As the old ferry pulled away from the dock, her whole body relaxed.
“Free at last, my Buddy!” Elise hugged and kissed him many times.
Buddy barked, agreeing.
The windy ferry ride through the choppy waters that surrounded the emerald islands dotted with every kind of evergreen, madrone, and scattered quiet meadows, introduced Elise to one of the world’s best wonderlands, and the nation’s newest National Monument, the San Juan Island Archipelago.
Some islands were inhabited with sailboats tied to buoys, empty until summer. The wealthiest people of America, including a few celebrities and software moguls, owned private islands here.
Shorebirds, cormorants, and ducks took rest on the floating logs. An occasional seal would surface to watch the ferry pass, as gulls raced the ferry mile after mile, an age-old game learned by generations of their ferry racing clan.
The old white and green vehicle ferry cleared the white caps. It was too cold to stay in the car so she and Buddy went up the stairs to the warm cabin with the long upholstered benches where veterans of the ferries were sprawled out, napping or reading. The current chop smoothed out until the water resembled a mirror.
The pure beauty charmed her weary soul. She privately cried because words could never describe it. Buddy sensed this and looked at her and wagged his tail, until she looked at him. Elise kissed his head.
The scenery was magnificent. Tom and Lara would have loved it. The sloshing of the water against the hull was making her sleepy. Elise knew in an instant, she was going to buy a house here and heal.
After asking how much longer to Friday Harbor, she and Buddy were both asleep within minutes, huddled under her fleece car blanket.
Someone woke them as they’d arrived. They hurried down to her car. They’d arrived in Friday Harbor. Elise put the car in gear and exited the ferry.
The quaint, hundred year old village of Friday Harbor welcomed her. Numerous restaurants lined Front Street, the Downrigger appealed to her, with its indoor/outdoor view of the rather large harbor. Driving around the old naked by winter shade tree, up the hill that became Spring Street, the main street lined with real estate offices, shuttered restaurants, a theater painted a pumpkin orange, the pharmacy, gift shops, a big blue artist’s shop, a beauty shop, and next door, a yellow Victorian antique shop, The Rose and The Amaranth. She’d have to stop by.
The hills were full of pines, alders, sycamores, wild rose bushes, and berries.
Within four blocks, she’d reached the edge of town. There the Best Western beckoned her.
Elise checked in to a pet room at the back of the complex.
Then she and Buddy stretched their legs around the baseball field across the street. Then back to the room to take another nap.
In her dream, Elise was in the Outback. They’d been running. It was hot and she was so thirsty. The helicopter searched the rock outcroppings. They were digging.
“Dig faster, Elise! We’ve got to hide. Dig faster or they will find us,” Shanti screamed at her.
Elise pulled the loose sand through her legs like a dog.
Elise watched the skies, the chopper coming closer. Those men were thorough.
Shanti perfected the width of hole now deep enough for the two of them.
She pulled Elise in the hole, pulled the dirt back in around them. She poured dirt on Elise’s head, burying them up to their necks as the helicopter came overhead.
“Face in the dirt, pretend you’re a rock, freeze. They’ll fly over us.”
The helicopter kept circling overhead. Round and round and round.
It had landed, someone was coming, wind from the blade was uncovering them…
Elise woke up to Buddy licking her face. The heater in the motel room sounded like a helicopter. She hugged Buddy. Tears flowed down her face.
She showered. It was time to walk Buddy and see the town, but most of all, create a diversion for her broken heart.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR -- FRIDAY HARBOR
ELISE AND BUDDY walked the town decorated for the Holidays, saving The Rose and the Amaranth for last, knowing she’d want to stay to indulge her senses.
She’d picked up The Journal, the local newspaper, lingered at the display windows of the real estate companies on Spring Street, took their magazine-like brochures, bought Buddy a raincoat, then had a meal of chowder and smoked salmon and grilled cheese at The Downrigger.
They were kind to Buddy. He loved the patty. She watched the boats bob in their slips, waiting patiently for spring. Elise watched the Elwah ferry, a Native American name and other ferries, come and go. They hinted of adventur
es to come.
When they left the Downrigger, Buddy was tugging on his leach trying to go back uptown.
“Funny dog,’ she thought, as Buddy was pulling her up the street. They grabbed groceries at King’s Market and with Buddy’s help he pulled her up the hill. She took note of the old pharmacy/gift store at the corner as they hurried past, quickly window-shopped at the large art gallery painted crayon blue. Continuing on past the jewelry store, the home decorating store, and Christie’s Island Salon, Buddy stopped in front of the window at yellow Victorian, The Rose and the Amaranth.
The Rose’s window was lovingly decorated for the Holidays with bears, ponies, dolls, antique toys and children’s books. Many were the Golden Books popular in her childhood. Her long lost, favorite books from her childhood stopped her in her tracks.
There it was.
In a corner…
Something lonely inside… smiled.
Here was her long lost friend, a gift from her father from a lifetime ago.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE — NO REST FOR THE WEARY
“THE LITTLE GRAY DONKEY by Alice Lunt. Illustrated by Tibor Gergely,” called to her from the “A Children’s Christmas” display window.
The sun was starting to set. The town’s clock chimed four and the Christmas carols that followed were beginning to stir her to tears. A gust of wind pushed her to seek shelter in the warm inviting shop.
Desiree noticed someone at the window. Her heart stood still… Elise. Desiree was holding her breath, watching her from her counter, frozen in place while Elise lingered. She’d have to run after her if she didn’t enter. She’d been notified Elise and her dog had gotten off the ferry, dined at the Downrigger, marketed, and strolled Spring Street. And here she was. Desiree left the counter, trying to busy herself near the window, moving closer, terrified Elise would move on. She’d better get her in the shop before the opportunity was lost.
Elise wiped a stray tear, regained her composure. Her own precious book had been lost in the move back to the States, never to be enjoyed again. She’d meant to get one for Lara hundreds of times, but she always put it off until ‘another day.’ Big memories were attached to that book.
She wouldn’t let this one get away.
Desiree sighed as Elise headed toward the door.
Elise and Buddy entered The Rose and the Amaranth. The antique shop bell announced her. Beethoven's “Ode to Joy” was playing softly in the background.
Desiree was back behind her counter. She smiled.
Buddy wiggled out of his collar, ran to Dez, wagging his whole body and whimpering.
“Buddy? I’m so sorry…” Elise said chasing after him.
“Hello and hello there, little Buddy. I love dogs. They seem to know it. I’m Desiree Rose. Welcome to my shop. Buddy is perfectly welcome. Hello, darling,” Desiree petted Buddy then crossed the room to Elise, extending her hand.
“So nice to meet you Desiree, I’m Elise.”
Desiree’s hand was warm, and soft. She bent to pet Buddy again.
“We thank you. He is such a love. We couldn’t wait to get here. He nearly dragged me to your door.”
’Thank God,’ Dez thought. “Good boy,” Dez said with a high happy tone. Buddy kissed her.
With wonder in her eyes, Elise watched as Buddy kissed her everywhere on her face he could, like they were old friends.
“I’ll watch him while you enjoy my treasures. Hello, you sweet, darling, boy.”
Desiree spoke quietly to him, while Elise took in every precious antique, escaping into the warm, nurturing atmosphere, Dez slipped him a small treat from her pocket and as it appeared she’d told him to, found a spot in front of the fire to enjoy his treat.
“I just love your shop. You must hear that every time someone enters. We just got off the ferry, stretched our legs, had a bite and I purposely saved the best for last.”
“I’m so glad. I never tire of the joy this little shop brings. Makes me feel I’m doing something worthwhile with my golden years. I always dreamed of having a shop like this. Coming here years ago, made my dream come true. Did you see something in the window you can’t you live without?” Dez said, the lump in her throat growing.
“Oh, yes. May I see the “Little Gray Donkey?” Elise’s heart quickened.
“Certainly. Isn’t it the sweetest book?” Desiree braced as she took the book out of the window display. “Here you are. It’s in amazing, near new condition.”
Tears rushed to Desiree’s eyes when Elise clutched the book to her heart and turned to look at the rest of the shop, giving Dez a chance to compose herself, so fearful she’d be discovered.
“Well loved by you as well, I’d say. Please make yourself comfortable by the fire. Buddy’s already discovered it. May I give him another little treat?”
“Of course. I know he’d love it.”
Dez reached into her pocket and gave him another treat.
Buddy gobbled it up, wagging his tail for more.
Desiree petted him for her own comfort now, speaking low to him, so low Elise couldn’t make out anything. Buddy sensed the change in her and licked her face, then laid back by the fire.
“Yes, thank you too. Buddy, you’re a darling. You both came in just as I was wishing for company and about to make myself a cup of tea. I’d so love it if you would join me. The stormy weather has chased everyone home to warm themselves by their own fire. I promise to bribe you both with a sweet or two, and… I’d love to tell you all about the islands, and things you must see and places you can’t miss. Please say yes.”
“We’d love to. Our Southern California bones are tired from our long journey.”
“Sounds like we may have a new resident?” Desiree tried to be calm.
“Hopefully. I’ve always loved the Northwest and the San Juan Islands.”
“Well, then. A hearty welcome is in order. I’d love to show you and Buddy the islands, especially my island. Whenever you’re ready.”
“Thank you Desiree. That is so kind of you. I’ll take you up on that.”
“Entirely, my pleasure. I love watching this phenomenal beauty transform people back to their true selves. Milk, lemon, or sugar?”
“Milk with two sugars, and please let me help.”
“Enjoy the shop instead. I’ll be right back with a feast fit for a weary traveler.” Desiree headed upstairs shaking.
Elise watched her leave, sensing a warm, kind woman who wanted to put people at ease and bring beauty to their souls. Desiree was her first new friend.
‘So much of this kind woman went into these nurturing, soothing surroundings. These choices take talent to bring all the eclectic furnishings together. I’ll have to get Desiree to decorate... my... new place,’ was a loud echo in her sad heart.
Elise walked through the shop composing herself, avoiding the lavender children's room.
Finally, she took a breath and let it pull her in. All those old toys and dolls, an antique crib, Desiree had a knack for pulling heartstrings. Delicate, chiffon christening gowns on satin hangers hung in the antique armoire, tiny pastel hand-knitted hats, and sweaters pulled at her heart.
Elise left the room as the dark sadness slithered in. She sat in the love seat near the fire, where Buddy enjoyed his warm spot.
Buddy re-settled at her feet. She petted him. He loved her now as she loved him. He was the first of her new family.
The time had come to open the book.
Elise opened the precious Golden Book with the little gray donkey on the cover and saw that the title box was blank. She was so hoping that her little name would have been in it. How she'd loved and cherished her books when she was a child.
Elise slowly turned the pages. A bit of dread returned as she remembered the page that always made her cry. The page where the little gray donkey, alone on the other side of the hedge, stood isolated from his new pasture friends. Lonely for so long, and now new friends had moved into the pasture next door, he longed for friends and happiness. The lo
nely little gray donkey wanted to be with them and play. The hedge kept him prisoner.
She didn’t rush. She read the pages one by one, remembering the sweet drawings, but especially the message of the story. Elise always believed it was this book that led her to have empathy for animals.
‘Lara was a compassionate child. She would have loved this book.’ Elise shook away the regret to try and stay in the moment.
Somewhere her memory had turned a corner into memory lane. Now every memory was fresh like yesterday. She was sitting on her Dad’s lap, reading this book to him and her mother. She was reading it to Sam, Walter, and Kevin, and reading it to her dolls and stuffed animals. This book had been a huge part of her life. And here it was again.
Elise got up to browse again because the tears were winning.
Desiree headed down the stairs carrying a silver tea service, laden with tea sandwiches, dainty china cups, saucers, and a bowl of water.
Elise helped her, “Let me take that from you. What a beautiful feast.”
“By the fire will be the perfect place. It’s been a while since I entertained at tea. I hope you like it. Have you ever had a real English tea, Elise?”
“Never as an adult, but the child version with my Dad or brother and our teddy bears. But nothing like this! What beautiful little sandwiches.”
“These are the old favorites, cucumber and butter, ham, scones with clotted cream and home made island blackberry jam. I’m famished. Are you famished, little Buddy?”
Buddy barked.
Desiree set down his water bowl and gave him a bit of scone and ham.
“You must visit the Impress Hotel in Victoria for high tea, sometime. It’s quite the elegant experience,” Desiree said as she poured and offered Elise her cup.
Elise inhaled the delicate aromas and sipped, enjoying it.
“I love Earl Grey tea. My darling husband Tom introduced me to it.”
“Ah, how nice. Many years ago my elderly father, Daniel, often took me to tea at the Savoy.” Desiree watched Elise’s smile fade and felt her own resolve crumble.
Elise’s pain was taking hold again. With her eyes closed, Elise inhaled, enjoying the sensory delights and old memories.