Eleven Days: An Unexpected Love

by Lora Lindy

  She didn’t blame him for liking the truck, Mike went through great lengths to keep it nice. The truck was a classic and he kept it in mint condition. The inside had plaid seats and dark gray carpeting and a dark gray bed liner. “Actually it’s not mine, but I’ll let the owner know you’re interested. I don’t think it’s for sale, but I’ll give him your message.”

  A gust of wind nearly knocked Lana over, and she was glad she had the protection of the porch to shield her. She quickly showed him the wood bin while pulling her windblown hair away from her eyes.

  He nodded he understood where she wanted the wood. All the while he tried to peek in the back window. “Are you alone out here, I notice nobody’s at the other houses. A pretty young thing like you don’t need to be left alone.”

  “I’m not alone, I’m here with my family and they’re walking on the beach looking for sea shells.” It was the quickest thing she could think of in the spur of the moment. “If you don’t have any questions, I have to get back to cooking, because my family will be back any minute. I’ll have my husband help you when he gets here.”

  “That’s okay, my son is in the truck and he’ll help, that’s how he earns extra money, and we’ll be done in no time. Ma’am we get paid up front.”

  “Of course, I’ll get you the cash.” Thank God she had to walk around the house rather than go in the back door. This gave her a chance to get away, and she kept looking over her shoulder. She quickly ran in and got the cash and ran outside to hand the money to the old man.

  His son looked like a character from Friday the 13th. He was already unloading the truck as she quickly walked to the front of the house. Once she was safely inside she made sure she locked the door. Every once in the while she peeked out a window to keep up with what they were doing. They worked hard toting the wood to the back. Mr. Johnson backed his truck as far to the back as he could. She guessed he didn’t pull all the way back because he might get stuck in the sand. She prayed that wouldn’t happen because then she would feel obligated to invite them in the house.

  As time passed she got worried because it had been thirty minutes and they still had not left, but the truck bed looked empty. The back porch bin overflowed with wood. Her heart raced with worry. She decided if they didn’t leave in a couple of minutes she would call 911. She continued looking out the window and still no sign of anyone. Just as she walked to get her phone she heard a car coming down the road. Thank God Mike came home. Relief overwhelmed her.

  When she looked outside she was disappointed it wasn’t Mike, but happy with whom she saw. Talk about a cop being at the right place at the right time. A patrol car drove up next to Mike’s truck. There were two cops and both got out of the patrol car. They looked in and around both trucks on their way to the front door. She opened the door to greet them and relieved to see them.

  They both immediately saw how white her face looked. “Hi ma’am, I hope we didn’t startle you,” an officer said as he tipped his hat. The other officer tipped his hat as well. “My name is Kevin and this is David, and we are here to see Mike. I see his truck is here.” Both men had on starched navy blue uniforms, with hats that reminded her of Canadian Mounties.

  “I’m sorry you missed him, but could you please step in for a moment?” They looked at each other with confusion. They walked in and she was wringing her hands. “I am so glad you’re here, earlier today I called to have wood delivered and this man and his son brought some wood. It looks like they emptied their truck, but I don’t see them and they’ve been here over an hour. Could you check it out for me?”

  “Sure and where was the last place you saw them?” Officer Kevin immediately started to look around the house. He never removed his hat and Lana thought maybe he wanted to hide his eyes. She thought he wore a hat because of being so short, the hat made him look taller. He might be five-seven with very short light brown hair and hazel eyes. He probably didn’t weight more than one-hundred-forty pounds, with a very small frame. But his deep voice made up for his frame, he sounds like Lou Rawls. David was opposite, tall and thin and he too had short light brown hair. His voice was much softer than Kevin’s and it sounded average. His eyes were puppy dog brown. Both officers had cute white smiles. When they smiled, it put her at ease.

  “I saw them on the back porch, because that is where they put the wood, but now I can’t see them at all,” she said with a trembling voice.

  Neither officer would leave without relieving her fear. They knew Mike would have their heads if they didn’t take care of his tenant. Plus they had their suspicions that Mike had a thing for this lady. Kevin decided if Mike didn’t have a thing for this pretty woman he needed his head examined. “I’ll be back in a minute and David will search the house, and ma’am you stay with David.”

  “Thank you so much,” she said.

  Officer David walked around inside the house and turned on every light and checked the closets, rooms and back porch. Everything looked fine. Kevin was gone a long time when they finally saw him come up the path from the beach.

  They met him at the front door. “I found the dad walking along the beach and he said he saw an old friend walking his dog and they walked over to his house for a beer. They were sorry they scared you.”

  She didn’t believe it, and she felt like a fool being afraid. It just seemed odd they would just leave their truck. Not only that no one lingered around except the guy in the red coat and he lived the opposite way of the beach. While the officers were still there they heard the old Ford truck leave. Officer David stuck his head outside and he made the peace sign to Kevin. She knew what he meant two left in the truck.

  She was a little agitated they just wrote it off as though she’s a big scaredy cat, so she continued their reason for coming. “Mike is not here and I don’t know when I’ll see him again. I’m just renting this place for a few days. Would you like for me to give him a message?”

  “We came by to give him our condolences, here is our card, and could you have him call when he comes by or when you hear from him?” They didn’t want to dismiss her concerns, but they couldn’t do anything else except beef up patrol.

  “I sure will and that’s so nice of you. I guess all I can ask of you is to patrol more.”

  “We sure will ma’am, we’ll come by often. If you need us my cell number is on the back. Please don’t hesitate to call.”

  That did make her feel better knowing they would come by often.

  “Have a good evening.” They tipped their hats and left.

  Their last comment did make her feel a little better.

  *****

  Darkness set in and Lana double checked all the doors and windows. She also brought in lots of firewood so she didn’t have to go outside during the night. As the wind blew, it’s howling sounded like wolves were outside scratching. It sounded spooky. Sleet mixed with sand tapped on the window every time there was a strong gust of wind. At night it sounded even scarier.

  This was a sign for her to leave. She packed enough for a change of clothes, and she decided to leave a light on in the kitchen. After what happened today and Mother Nature warning her, she decided to stay in town. She didn’t know if the men with the wood had bad intentions, probably not, but since she’s all alone she would feel safer leaving. She grabbed the key to the house and double checked all the doors and windows, and literally ran to her car and headed for town. She remembered a nice hotel across the bridges, and she didn’t imagine there would be a problem with a vacancy tonight.

  When she saw the lights of the city and she let out a sigh of relief. Driving in and out of Plymouth there were lots of little water coves and if a person didn’t pay attention they could drive off the road get stuck in the sand, especially at night. She grimaced at the thought of being stranded. She felt in her purse for her cell phone and was relieved she didn’t forget it.

  She pulled up at the well lit Hilton hotel. The main lobby was completely empty, and over to the right, behind the courtesy desk a s
hort hall led to the bar. She could hear glasses clanking and a couple of men talking. The noise echoed in the empty lobby. The three of them were probably the only customers in the hotel especially by the looks of the empty parking lot. This hotel had five stories, so she thought she might have a nice view of the ocean from the top. They had plenty of room and they accommodated her. The attendant handed her the keycard and said. “Room 503 Ms. Andrews and the kitchen closes’ at eight o’clock during off season. Is there anything else you need and do you want a porter?”

  “No thank you.”

  The room seemed nice, decorated in a cheerful blue with a large king size bed. The wallpaper had a two toned blue striped with a solid light blue bedspread trimmed in dark blue. The best part of the room was the warmth. She smiled wondering if she should be mad at Mike for not fixing the furniture or more mad for not calling. She would have to sleep on that one.

  Chapter 15

  2:17 a.m.

  A noise woke her up and she thought it was a show on the TV. She turned it off then realized the noise came from the hallway. Aggravated, she rolled over and covered her head with a pillow and tried to go back to sleep. Within a few minutes the phone rang. She answered it frustrated. “Hello.”

  “Hi baby,” said Mike.

  Rubbing her eyes and trying to wake up she remembered all that transpired the last few hours. “How did you know I was here?”

  “Don’t forget I’m a federal agent, and all I have to do is make a couple of phone calls. Would you like some company? I’m down in the lobby.”

  “Sure, come on up, I’ll be waiting.” She ran to the bathroom to brush her teeth and made sure she looked presentable. She didn’t know if she should be mad or not, she would have to think on that one. Just as she finished, Mike knocked on the door. When she opened it he swept her off her feet and gave her a great big playful kiss. He was completely out of breath. “Mike, why are you out of breath?”

  “I ran up the stairs, I didn’t want to wait for the elevator.”

  “You ran up five floors?”

  “Two and a half, I took two stairs at a time.” He then raised his left eyebrow at her. “I was worried sick about you. You could have left me a note.” He couldn’t stay mad because she looked too beautiful and sleepy. The oversized jersey looked adorable on her. The Dallas Cowboy jersey had the number eight on it, and he didn’t like Troy Aikman. He didn’t like the Cowboys at all, he happened to be a Giants fan. But he would forgive her this time, besides she looked better in it than Troy.

  “It’s a long story, and I’m sure you don’t have time to listen.” She gave it right back, but she knew she couldn’t stay mad at him. He looked so good with his black Christian Dior sweater and turtleneck with khaki Dockers pants.

  He pulled her down on his lap so she would be eye to eye with him, but she’s not going to look in his eyes. If she did she might melt, and she had to be strong right now.

  “Okay squirt, I know you’re safe, and that’s all that matters. I sent my driver home. Do you want to stay here or go back to the beach house? I will leave this decision up to you.”

  “It doesn’t matter either way, but I am surprised you were concerned because I did not get one phone call from you today. Something happened today that scared me, and that is why I came here.”

  “Are you talking about the two guys who delivered wood?”

  Her eyes widened. “How did you know? That happened only a few hours ago.” She was shocked he knew about the guys, and no way for him to know unless the two officers told him. “What’s the deal? This is scary that you can know how my life played out today.”

  “First of all I did call several times today, and the calls went straight to voice mail. I left several messages, and I texted. My phone finally died. I sent officers out to check on you and they told me about the scare you had with the wood incident. That’s all that happened. I knew you were scared so I came home as soon as I could, and you were gone. I called a few hotels and they said you were registered here. When was the last time you checked your phone little lady?”

  “I had my phone on all day until I went to bed, and I turned it off so I could get some rest. But I didn’t turn it off until late tonight.” She didn’t think he was lying, but she didn’t think he called like he thought he did. She could prove it. She dug out her phone from her purse and pushed the on button. “Let’s see if there are any messages from you. If there are any messages they just came through the last couple of hours.” They waited for everything to turn on, and nothing happened. No noise or beeping.

  Mike looked bewildered. “I know I called you several times today and left you several messages. I don’t understand. Do you mind if I look at your phone?” She handed it to him and he played with it. “Babe you have it on airplane mode, no wonder you didn’t get my messages. Your phone must not work at all when it’s on airplane mode.”

  “I didn’t put it on airplane mode, and I don’t know how that happened.” She was totally confused. She knew she was slow at technology, but she thought she had a grip on how to use her phone.

  “There must be some kind of button to push and you must have pushed it.” He held back a grin. He didn’t want to embarrass her or make her feel stupid. It was an honest mistake and he knew that.

  “My daughter did call me today, and I guess I accidentally pushed a button when I hung up the phone. I’m sorry I don’t know how that happened. That makes me feel much better. I hear some beeping, does that mean there are messages?” She felt like an idiot.

  “Yes you have fourteen missed calls and looks like eight texts and six voice mails. I bet all are from me. Do you mind if I look?” She didn’t care if he looked or not, she had nothing to hide.

  On second thought! “No! My boyfriend might have called, and you could spoil the fun.”

  He laughed and looked at the messages anyway. He certainly wasn’t all thumbs. He quickly pushed buttons and within seconds he had all the information. “Looks like two texts from a Sharon, and four from an unknown number, looks like the rest are from me. I think you owe me an apology.” He pulled her close.

  “How can I make it up to you? I’m sorry I missed your call, but I did see you on TV today.” She tried to change the subject. The whole time she tried to apologize he pulled her closer. She enjoyed his attention and his happier frame of mind.

  “Lana, do not change the subject?” He’s playing with her hair which was about five inches past her shoulders. He twisted it and curled it between his fingers. The softness felt good as her hair flowed through his fingers. Temptation took over and he pulled her close and everything about her smelled good; hair, perfume, and her breath.

  “No I’m not trying to change the subject at all. But I did see you on TV today and you looked handsome. You know you look so handsome I want to kiss you, I want to hug you, I want to love you, and I want to touch you.” She performed her Sandra Bullock impersonation from Ms. Congeniality.

  Laughter filled the room and they both rolled back on the bed. “You are so adorable. I could kiss you all day and all night. You have no idea how much I needed you today. My God you are gorgeous.” All her features were dainty and small. Her lips were full and soft.

  “How much did you miss me?”

  “Bunches and I think we need to go back to the beach house and turn everything off and just listen to the waves. There’s nothing more romantic than the sound of the waves and the crackling of a fire,” he said while patting her on the butt.

  “I agree,” she said.

  “How about I check you out while you get ready?”

  “That’s a deal.”

  *****

  They chit chatted on the way back to the beach house, while holding hands and smooching at red lights. The darkness and eeriness of the night gave Lana goose bumps. The roads he turned on were dark with no moonlight to guide them. She told Mike. “This is spooky. I’m so glad you know your way because I’m lost. Everything looks so different at night. I’m a little
scared and I’m glad you’re with me to protect me.”

  He squeezed her hand then kissed it. “Honey, I will always protect you.” Then he added. “When my family first moved out here years ago I would miss the turn off to our road. When I rent out the house and the renters don’t have a GPS, I try to furnish them one. They know why I do when they drive at night.”

  They were about five blocks from the house, on a gravel driveway to the right Lana saw a familiar truck. She couldn’t miss that white old beat up Ford truck. She looked at Mike in total shock and fear. “Mike, that’s the truck that delivered the wood. I just saw it on that gravel road. Why would the truck be out here in the middle of nowhere this late at night?”

  Mike could hear the anxiety in her voice. He too thought it was strange and not coincidental. He instinctively turned off the lights to the car and they slowly pulled over a few blocks from the house. Mike immediately got on the phone and called 911. “This is federal agent Mike Ramsey badge number 442 and we need assistance at address 2612 Shadow Lane. Officers were dispatched to this house earlier and they questioned a person who delivered wood named John Johnson, and we just saw his truck a few blocks from the house, requesting backup.”

  “10-4, backup in route,” said the dispatcher.

  He pulled out his gun, turned on the car lights and slowly pulled up in the arranged parking slot and said. “Get low so no one can see you.” Mike lowered himself as well.

  “Mike, you’re not going in the house, are you?”

  “I’ve got to go inside, honey I know what I’m doing.” He had to concentrate on what he needed to do. The adrenaline pumped through his veins. His heart raced with excitement and he had to take deep breaths to control his rapid breathing.

  “Oh Mike please wait for the police, what if they have guns or knives. Please, please wait, I’m terrified for you,” she pled as she grabbed his arm, trying to hold him in the car.