Tails of Ugly Creek

by Cheryel Hutton

  “I wear it in honor of my favorite doctor.”

  I narrowed my eyes. “Who?”

  “Exactly.”

  I chuckled as I shook my head. “You’re a mess, Devereux.”

  “Yep.”

  When we reached the main floor, Sally said, “If you need more questions answered or to see the house again, just let me know.”

  “I appreciate you letting me look around.”

  “Anytime.”

  We started out, but Hunter stopped. “We saw a young lady upstairs. Is she one of the Eaglehair family?”

  For a second, I thought I saw fear in her eyes, then it vanished. “I didn’t see anyone. What did she look like?”

  “Tall, thin, long dark hair, probably a teenager.” He shook his head with a perplexed smile. “She seemed to appear out of nowhere.”

  Sally shot me a glance that held a question. I moved my chin down in a slight nod, and she turned her gaze back to Hunter. “I don’t think I know her. Sometimes local kids come in here to see what the place is like.”

  “To see if it’s haunted?” Hunter asked.

  She smiled at that. “They know what we all know, anything can happen in Ugly Creek.”

  He thanked her again, and Hunter and I walked outside. “Know any good places for lunch?” he asked.

  “How about Taco King again, it’s not quite two blocks from here.”

  “Sounds good. I take it you like Mexican food.”

  A mischievous smile pulled at my lips and I forced it back. “Are British science fiction shows the best?”

  He froze for a heartbeat before a grin lit up his whole face. My breath caught in my throat at how handsome he was.

  “So you’re a fan?” he asked.

  “Not as much as you, but I definitely like the shows.”

  “Well, British S.F. shows are definitely the best, and I’m buying you lunch. Walk or car?”

  I leaned back and studied his face. “So talking British TV makes you pushy?”

  His grin pulled even wider. “Sorry.”

  “No you aren’t.” I gave his arm a smack.

  His grin never faltered. “Okay, I’m not. Do you like other science fiction, or just British TV shows?”

  “I watch and read mostly fantasy, but I do like science fiction. I especially love reading the older stuff, Asimov, Bradbury, Clarke.”

  “Awesome writers. There are some newer authors who look good also.”

  Like you? “Having time to read has been problematic. I’ve slipped into a bad magazine habit.”

  “I don’t suppose you mean literary publications?”

  “More like celebrity magazines,” I whispered.

  His eyes opened wide and he gave an exaggerated shiver. “Surely you jest.”

  “I like seeing what celebrities are up to.”

  He pulled his face into a thinking expression. “I guess I’ll buy you lunch anyway.”

  I smiled, wide and bright. “It’s the least you can do.”

  He laughed and put his arm around me as we headed toward Taco King. Five minutes later, we stood in front of the ordering window.

  “It is my pleasure to buy this beautiful, intelligent lady her lunch,” Hunter announced to the teenage order-taker. The boy looked confused, but recovered quickly to take our orders.

  A few minutes later, we were sitting at a table in the outside dining area. We were in the shade, and the sunlight made dappled designs on the ground around us. The gentle breeze caught the leaves and their waving, created a moving sensation a bit like rocking gently in a boat.

  “These tacos are delicious,” Hunter said.

  I opened my eyes wide in exaggerated surprise. “And it’s not French cuisine.”

  He leaned his head to one side as if studying me. “Do I really come across as that big a snob?”

  “Yes…well…sometimes.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “Mostly you’re an okay guy.”

  He smiled, and his eyes glittered with amusement. “Thanks. I think.”

  My phone played its quiet bell tune, and I pulled it out of my little, cross-body purse. Very few people had my number, and I didn’t recognize the incoming one. I hesitated so long it stopped. Relieved, I started to put it back in my purse. The soft sound of bells sounded again. I surrendered and answered the thing. I might not recognize the number on my phone display, but the voice was familiar. “Hello, Terri girl.”

  My heart kicked into racing mode. It couldn’t be. It was impossible. “Daddy?”

  “Yeah, baby, it’s me.”

  I grabbed the edge of my chair and hung on tight. “Why are you calling me? How did you even get my number?”

  “I’m sorry, baby. I wouldn’t have called you if I’d had any other choice. I need your help.”

  It became clear in a flash. He’d left me when I was little, but now, when I had money, he was back. I got to my feet and took a few steps away from the table, turning my back as I went. “You need me, huh? After all these years. So, how much do you need?”

  There was a sharp intake of breath. “No! That’s not why I’m calling. I don’t want or need your money, baby. I can’t believe you’d think that, but then again, you don’t know me very well.”

  “Not really, since you left when I was four.”

  “I’m so sorry things played out the way they did. Your mother and I were young and all we could do was muddle through the best we could. I know I hurt you, that was not my intention, baby.”

  Something snapped. “Don’t call me that. You don’t have a right to call me baby. You walked away, left Mom and me alone. Left me to deal with what I am all alone.”

  It was totally quiet for a long moment. “What you are? What are you talking about?”

  “What do you think? I am your daughter and I got your genes.”

  “Are you saying you inherited the ability? That can’t be. The ability skipped you.”

  “How would you know? You cut out eight years before I shifted for the first time.”

  “Because Becky told me you weren’t a shifter.”

  “How could she have told you that when you left before—” Shock cut through me in little shards as I realized what he was saying. “You’re lying.”

  “No, Terri girl, I’m telling you the truth. That’s how I have your number. Becky gave it to me in case of emergency.”

  Tears filled my eyes and I blinked hard to hold them back. “Mom would have told me if she was in contact with you.”

  “Bab…Terri, I imagine your mom didn’t tell you because she was trying to protect you.”

  “From what?”

  A long sigh came through the phone. “You’d have to ask her that.”

  I’d just about had all the runaround I could take. “What is it you want from me?”

  “There’s someone who needs your help—not me—and you are the only one who can help her.”

  “Her? What are you trying to drag me into?”

  “It’s a long story.”

  “I’ll bet.”

  “Look, I know this has to be confusing and upsetting. How about I call you again in a couple of days. Let you sort things out a bit.”

  “I don’t need to sort things out.”

  “Bye, Terri girl. I love you.” The line went dead.

  I stood looking at my phone as if the thing was responsible for the confusion and pain I felt. What the hell?

  I knew one thing for sure, I had to talk to my mom. Unfortunately, she was on a safari halfway around the world, and unreachable for at least another week.

  Somehow I turned back to the table and all but collapsed into my seat.

  Hunter pulled his chair around so that he was beside me. He put his hands on my shoulders and gently squeezed. “Are you okay, Terri?”

  I wanted to cry like the baby I was the last time I’d heard my father’s voice, but I nodded instead. “It was my dad.”

  “I take it you don’t talk to him often.”

  “N
ever.” People around us were glancing our way. By nature I was a private person, no doubt intensified by the need to keep my ability secret. Coupled with the fact I can hear things a regular human can’t—and so I never feel positive about what others can and can’t hear—I really don’t like sharing in public.

  “I don’t want to talk about it right now.”

  “We could go someplace private.” He was rubbing his hands up and down my upper arms, like he thought I was about to go into shock or something. Hell, maybe I was.

  “I’d like to be alone to think right now.”

  “I’ll go get my car and take you home. We’ll get your car later.”

  “You don’t have—”

  “I’m not letting you drive. You have no color in your face. I’ll be right back. Okay?”

  I nodded, he stood, and I watched him go. Once he was gone, I leaned against the back of the chair and stared into my plate. I didn’t believe for a minute my Mom had been in touch with my father all these years. She hated the man; why would she contact him?

  My mind raced to the day just before my fourth birthday. I’d accidentally seen my dad shift into a big, scary dog. I’d run screaming from the sight into my mother’s arms and refused to talk to him. That night my parents had argued. The next day he was gone.

  Why would he call me? He said he needed my help. What could he possibly need my help for? For that matter, why would he even think I’d talk to him? I propped my elbows on the table and dropped my head into my hands. My thoughts twisted and flew from one memory to another, one idea to another, one belief to another. What the hell had just happened to my world?

  “Terri.” Hunter’s soft voice and his warm hand against my back comforted me.

  I stood and let him lead the way. As we walked he put his arm around me and my mind was racing so fast I leaned into him He got me into his car, and we headed toward Aunt Ruth’s house.

  He pulled off the road by the front gate, and the first thing I saw was Miz Carlisle in her flower garden. “Of course she’s watching us,” I muttered. “What else does that nosy old biddy do?”

  “She was out there yesterday. So her hobby is watching you?”

  I groaned. “Her hobby is flowers. Her fulltime job is making sure nothing happens without her knowing about it, in case she wants to stick her nose in where it isn’t wanted.”

  He tapped his finger under my chin. “Head up, shoulders back, ignore the lowly peasant.”

  I laughed. Actual laughter. I was amazed.

  “Sit right there.” He jumped out of the driver’s door and a moment later he opened the passenger door and extended his arm to me. “May I escort m’lady?”

  “I would be honored, kind sir.” I took his arm and we strolled toward the front of the house.

  “It is quite a lovely day.”

  “I agree. The temperature is comfortable, and the sun is bright and warm.” To my right, I could see Miz Carlisle standing in her garden, not even pretending she was interested in anything but us.

  When we reached the front door and I extended my key to insert it in the lock, I discovered my hand was still shaking. My face immediately went hot.

  “Allow me.” Hunter took the key in his hand and made short work of the unlocking. He ushered me inside and closed the door behind us. “That’s one very strange neighbor you have over there.”

  I considered our actions. “And we aren’t?”

  He made a dismissive motion. “We’re writers, we’re supposed to be strange.”

  “You know, I do believe I saw that in my job description.”

  By this time we were sitting side-by-side on the couch. Hunter brushed a stray strand of my hair off my face and leaned a little closer. “Feeling better?”

  I nodded. “Daddy calling me out of the blue like that just shook me up, that’s all.”

  “When was the last time you talked to him?”

  “I was four, technically three. It was the day before my birthday.”

  Hunter sighed. “You haven’t heard from him since? Wow.”

  “I need to think right now. I’m sorry.”

  “You know, sometimes talking about something will help you get it straight in your head. If you’d like to talk, I’d be happy to listen.”

  Part of me would like nothing better, but the rest of me was still so confused I’m not sure I could make sense—especially since I wasn’t about to tell him what I really was. Whether I liked it or not, my ability was part of this whole, convoluted mess. “I need time to think first, to figure stuff out in my own head. Please.”

  “Okay. I’m not crazy about leaving you alone, but I understand your need for privacy.”

  He leaned in and touched his lips to mine, lighting a fire inside me like I’d never experienced. My hands found their way to his shoulders as he wrapped his arms around me and pulled me close. My breasts tingled, I couldn’t catch my breath, my heart beat harder than when I was four-legged and racing after a rabbit.

  His tongue slipped inside my mouth, and the warm, spicy taste had me losing all thoughts except how amazing this experience was. He moved away, and I fought the need to pull him back to me.

  I looked into his eyes, and they’d gone dark, intense, almost scary. “Hunter,” I whispered.

  “You have my number. If you need anything call, okay?”

  I needed him. Now. But I couldn’t tell him that, could I? I wasn’t sure, and I couldn’t think. “Okay.”

  “I’m meeting the mayor at the courthouse tomorrow morning. She’s going to give me a tour and answer questions.”

  “Sounds interesting.” Didn’t it?

  “I’d like you to go with me.”

  “Okay.” I’d said that too fast, hadn’t I? What would he think of me?

  “Good. I need you with me in case one of those impossible creatures you believe exists shows up. That way you can call nine-one-one for me.”

  I smiled. He’d done fine so far by just not believing his own eyes. “I think you’d be all right.”

  “Maybe.” He stood. “I’ll pick you up about nine?”

  “I’ll be ready.”

  I walked him to the door, where he gave me another incredible kiss. His lips caressed for a moment, then his tongue licked mine, as if leaving a promise. After that, he turned and walked out to his car. One quick wave and he was gone. I closed the door so nosy people couldn’t tell how tingly and warm I was. And how badly I wanted to call him back to show me some more magic.

  I was so far over my head that I didn’t care if I drowned.

  Chapter Eight

  “The Ugly Creek courthouse was built in 1786. Before that, all the town business was conducted at Amadeus Eaglehair’s home.” Sophie Paradise, Ugly Creek’s mayor spoke with a clear, strong voice that I enjoyed listening to. The woman seemed nice too, and fair.

  A few weeks back, Miz Carlisle had tried to run Ace out of town, and the mayor listened to both sides before leading the city council into a vote that protected Ace’s dog rescue work. I smiled remembering.

  “Has there been much renovation and updating?” Hunter asked.

  “Not really,” the mayor replied. “We try to keep the authenticity of the building, so we are very careful what type of work we do. There are some things we don’t have a choice in, of course. For example, bathrooms were not a part of the original structure. Also, we are proud to be ahead of the game with our facilities for the disabled. But we try to make the changes fit with the original architecture and interior design of the building.”

  Mayor Paradise moved from where she stood beside a small plaque commemorating the opening of the courthouse and led them down the hall. As you can see, here on the first floor are the public offices like motor vehicle registration, property taxes, marriage licenses and such. My office is also on this floor.”

  I was admiring the building when I saw her. She was going into one of the office doors, just like everybody else. Except she wasn’t like everybody else. She was around three f
eet tall, had bright red hair, her sparkling dress was bright green, and I could see the trail of golden sparkles from the other side of the huge lobby. This woman had to be a leprechaun.

  Now, I was sure Mr. McDuffy was a leprechaun. I’d been told too many times to not believe it. Duffy sure didn’t have golden sparkles following him around, and I couldn’t begin to explain why the difference.

  Neither did I have any idea what this female leprechaun was doing at the courthouse in the middle of a bright, shiny day. Everybody could see her, so why was she taking a chance like that? If these creatures were so impulsive, how was it they were still a secret?

  “On the second floor are the courtrooms and judges’ chambers,” Mayor Paradise was saying. “Let’s go up there. Courtroom number one has been kept completely intact just as it was built in 1786.”

  I glanced back at the sparkling woman just before we headed up the stairs.

  Hunter leaned close to my ear. “She’s into her character.”

  I followed his gaze to make sure he was talking about who I thought he was, and sure enough he was.

  “Somebody needs to tell her it’s not quite Halloween yet.” He chuckled softly.

  I managed to smile for him, but it was hard for me to understand how he could dismiss something so obviously real as being so mundane as a woman in a costume.

  I tried hard to focus on what Mayor Paradise said about the courtrooms and judges’ chambers, but my thoughts kept circling from faeries to leprechauns and back to the man beside me. He was so smart, and yet so easily dismissed the obvious.

  Within a few minutes, the second floor proved interesting enough to grab my attention. There was hand-crafted furniture, paintings from the eighteenth century and early photographs of stiffly posing men in suits. The fascinating tales Ms. Paradise told about the history of the town, the people, and the courthouse where so many historical events took place.

  When we had circled the entire floor, the mayor escorted us back down to the lobby. “Well, I hope you enjoyed my little tour.”

  “Very much so, Ms. Paradise.” Hunter shook the woman’s hand. “I really appreciate you taking the time out of your busy day.”

  “I’m happy to be of assistance, Mr. Devereux. Good luck with your book.” She shook my hand too before she headed back to her office.