“I’ll phone the post office.” Nick glanced at his watch. “People should be checking for their mail now. We can catch a lot of them and they’ll spread the word.”
Nick was relieved Molly was with Margaret. He hated to think of her home alone trying to get around with the collar in the way. He mentally counted off the days until his father returned and then to his physical endurance appointment. Life was a lot less complicated in the army. There, he understood the chain of command.
The lapping waves of Last Mountain Lake broke his concentration for a moment. Lately, thoughts of a life other than full time army, seemed to belly crawl into his imagination. As he shifted the truck into gear, his focus returned to his present problems and his future plans of returning to his troop, away from his family heritage.
Nick didn’t have time to dwell on what might, could, should be. The community and their drinking water were his concern. He just wanted everyone to be safe and informed about the boil water advisory until he found the problem.
Working quietly, almost meditatively, Anna thought empathy wasn’t a bad thing. She just had to learn how to handle it differently. When she became wrapped up in others’ lives, she forgot her own, which was when she ran into difficulties. Her kettle whistled again, and she pulled it off the stove to transfer the boiled water to a sterilized container. When officials ordered a ‘boil water advisory,’ they often forgot to talk about how to store the water. As she refilled the kettle and set it to boil, her mantra of ‘self-care’ played.
She heard Molly’s joyous squeals. Anna turned the stereo louder. She didn’t want to hear someone enjoying welcome kisses.
A knock sounded at her door. “Anna.” Nick’s voice.
She swiped her sleeve across her forehead. Steam was rolling across the kitchen. “Coming.”
She opened the door. Nick and Molly both stood there. “Sorry, I had to bring her with me,” he apologized. “She’s too excited to let me out of her sight. She couldn’t hurt a flea.”
Anna swallowed her chuckle and bit the inside of her cheek. “Poor thing.” She placed her hand on Molly’s back. When she stared at Nick, she felt a sense of security in the depths of his brown eyes.
“You seem to take pity on invalids. Margaret said you might be able to help the town out in this crisis,” he said.
Anna groaned.
“Don’t be mad at her. She’s concerned for the old folks.” He shifted from one foot to the other.
“I asked her not to tell anyone I used to work as a nurse.”
“I didn’t ask her,” he pointed out. “She volunteered, and Herman was there shushing her, if that helps. You’ve got that man tied around your finger.”
Anna sank down into the nearest chair. “What would you like me to do?”
“Look, I know you have secrets. I have some, too.” He tapped his left leg. “Only Margaret and Herman and a handful of neighbors know about this one.”
“Don’t forget me.”
“Yes, and Magdalena, too.”
Anna’s heart raced. Another woman. Why was she surprised? Of course he’d have a special woman.
“So, it’s not such a secret. Probably most of the town knows. They just haven’t mentioned it to you. It’s like the fable of the king’s barber I read as a kid. He promised her everything. All she had to do was keep his secret that he had two horns. Finally, she had to tell someone, so she went on a long trip. She dug a hole and whispered it, then covered it up. The roots told the grass and the grass told the wind, the wind told the trees. No secrets.”
He stepped into the kitchen. “Looks like you’ve already heard the news.”
“News?”
“If you didn’t hear about the boil water advisory, then are you making soup?” he asked.
“I haven’t heard anything official, but Herman mentioned you suspected differences in the water. I’ve learned to take precautions.”
“Planning to bathe in this?” He pointed to all of the filled jugs.
“Do we have to? Is it that bad?” Her mind raced with probable consequences of contaminated water.
“We don’t know. We’re waiting for the test results, so we’re saying drinking and cooking. Do you have any suggestions?”
“I’d suggest seniors remember to soak their teeth in boiled water and that everyone keep hand sanitizers available.” She took a deep breath. “I’m doing this for Herman and Margaret. I don’t want him compromised.” She looked down at Molly. “You’re going to give her boiled water, too?”
A shy look came across his face. She almost laughed again. “I’m glad. She wouldn’t do well being sick in that contraption.”
“There’s something else I have to ask you.” He reached into the medical collar and scratched between Molly’s ears.
“Go on.”
“I understand Herman is spending the day with you tomorrow while Margaret goes to the city. I’d hoped Margaret would be able to keep . . .” He nodded toward Molly who looked up at him with adoring eyes. “I’ll be busy all day, and I can’t stand to think of her being alone in this condition.”
What about Magdalena? The words were solid and tangible in her mind but she bit her lip. A whimper from Molly sounding like a canine, ‘Please,’ caught her attention, and Anna glanced down.
I can’t refuse that face. “We’ll make a pact,” she said to Nick. “If she promises to stay in my yard so Herman and I don’t have to chase her, she can spend the day with us.”
“Did you hear that, girl? You’re going to have another adventure tomorrow.” He indicated the gallon jugs. “Do you want me to carry some of this next door?”
“Sure. I’m out of containers anyway.”
He looked around and spotted her work bench with its tiny pieces of furniture.
She held up her hand. “You’ve learned enough for now.”
He hooked his fingers through the handles of four jugs and whistled for Molly. They trudged through the hedge.
Anna’s heartbeat remained steady, not even kicking into overdrive at the thought of Molly being in her space tomorrow. “Poor baby, how does she eat and drink with that thing on?” she murmured to herself.
After Nick left, Anna picked up her guitar and went out onto the deck. She loved watching the prairie sunsets, and enjoyed the view while strumming notes. Bits of lyrics from songs skipped across her memory. ‘It’s wonderful, it’s marvelous that you should care for me.’
Except there wasn’t anyone left to care for her. Anna’s bottom lip trembled. Of course there is. My parents are always there for me. She changed her tempo and strummed her favorite Dixie Chicks’ song. ‘I’m going to be ready this time. Ready, ready to run, ready to have some fun! What’s all this thought of love?’
She sang loud. She didn’t care who heard. She wanted to have fun. She almost believed it.
Yes, Murray left her, but he didn’t choose to. It was an accident. She had the legacy of love and knew the boundaries of pain. The image of Nick’s flushed complexion and dilated pupils showed he was interested. She had to change her tactics. She’d be ready when he returned to pick up Molly and her lampshade tomorrow. She’d put on her push-up bra and open the top buttons on her blouse. She’d shop for high heels.
Tomorrow night was dancing at the hall again. Magdalena, watch out. Anna packed up her guitar and went to bed.
Nick removed Molly’s collar so she could eat. She lay on the floor with the bowl between her paws and downed her food, then stood to drink her water. “I’m afraid, girl, I wasn’t honest with Anna,” he told the dog. “She doesn’t know this device has to come off so you can drink. Don’t worry, Herman will know. You won’t starve or get dehydrated.”
He scratched Molly’s ears and rubbed her neck where her collar had been, and ran his fingers through her fur to check
the wounds. They were healing. With the collar back around Molly’s neck, man and dog walked to his bedroom where he stripped off the day’s clothes, changed into his swim suit, and hopped along behind the walker.
He swung the door open to the pool area and slid into the water. Here, he was as whole as he’d ever be. His right leg and strong arms propelled him from edge to edge. Just a few more days until he knew his future options and he could make concrete decisions.
With the sliding doors open to the night, he watched Molly prancing along the fence line, nose in the air, seeking the changes that had happened in her neighborhood while she was gone. Nick had seen changes, too. This town was no longer the small community where he attended school, played baseball, tossed curling rocks in the local community rink and cruised up and down Center Street seeking adventures.
Something troubling was going on.
Nick swam and allowed his mind to free-float. He thought about his course material, about what could be causing the turbidity of the water, the odor. He wondered about new development upstream from the town’s wells, but the filtration system would remove any dangers. That meant the trouble was after the filtration system. He’d be on the phone by eight in the morning obtaining the results of the tests. Then he’d know what he was dealing with. In the army he liked the idea of being part of a team rather than alone as he was here, where all the responsibilities seemed to be on his shoulders.
Before going to bed, Nick checked his father’s calendar. Tomorrow, guests were arriving from out-of-province. I want my life back. He was tired of being the stand-in B&B host and town foreman. His army life with the camaraderie of the men in his unit was where he belonged. But as he patted his stump dry, the wrinkled skin was testament nothing would be normal again.
He rubbed Molly’s head; two crippled—no, physically challenged—individuals living together, man and dog. Before he fell asleep, his dusk dream included Anna’s face in camouflage. Would she be there if he needed her? Could she forget her problems for the greater good? Someone who could put others ahead of themselves, that’s what he wanted, needed. Did they make women like that anymore?
Could Anna be part of his team, once he made changes in his life? She appeared to be genuine, but they both had a past.
Nick let the perfect dream of possibility fill his heart’s need. It nudged against the rock he had settled there since his mother left. His hand reached out and patted Molly’s back.
A happy whistle dropped into Anna’s open window just before footsteps passed on the street. It brought a smile to her lips and cajoled her into a lovely sleep.
Later, coffee still in hand, she greeted Margaret, Herman and the cone-collared Molly. She was proud of herself when a lesser fear hid behind her morning smile. If you do something long enough, you believe it.
“Gladys is driving up the street, so I have to rush. Take care of my lovelies today.” Margaret beamed a smile.
“Of course. They’ll both be well taken care of,” Anna assured.
“By the way, Herman will take Molly’s collar off when she needs a drink. She’s had her breakfast.”
Anna’s smile didn’t betray her anxiety. The yard was secure. Molly seemed to obey commands.
Herman kissed Margaret’s cheek. “Go, dear. We’ll be fine. Don’t forget I need six pairs of black socks.”
They watched Margaret until the car pulled onto the road. Herman had a little smile on his face Anna noticed. “What?” she asked.
“Ever since she’s made plans to go into the city, I’ve hidden socks so she’d have a mission. Not that she needs one, but it helps.”
Anna shook her head and smiled, then addressed the dog in a strong voice. “Molly, where do you want to be while we work?”
Molly immediately trotted over to a throw rug in the path of a sunbeam.
While Herman sanded and stained little pieces of wood, Anna ran miniscule threads of wire before applying tiny pieces of eighties-style wallpaper and shades of paint on the bedroom walls and bathroom in the miniature house. As soon as the wiring was completed, she could put the rug into place.
During coffee break, she caught Molly eyeing her as she raised her cup to her lips. “Uh-oh. Someone is thirsty,” she said to the dog.
Herman began to fiddle with the collar while Anna filled the dog’s bowl with water from the refrigerator. Molly lapped it up with a noisy tongue, then nudged Herman. “Let’s keep the collar off while we go out on the deck and we can watch her,” he said. “If she’s sniffing around the yard, she won’t be thinking of licking her wounds.”
Anna rushed to the door. “Just wait until I close the gate between our property and the stairs. I wouldn’t want her to get it into her dog brain to explore the neighborhood. What would Nick say? He trusts us with something precious.”
“Precious, smeshious! Nick left this dog with his father without a backward glance. He’ll do it again, if you ask me. He just cares for things when they’re in his circle. Like this water problem. He may or may not figure it out, but after Jack gets home and we hire another man, Nick’ll be out of here, kicking the dust of Regina Beach off his heels.”
“Wow, Herman. That’s the most words I’ve heard you string together, and with your teeth in, too.” She didn’t want to hear about Nick leaving.
“I’ve been gaining weight so they fit better. I wanted to be my best so Margaret would leave with no worries.”
Anna touched his arm. “It must be nice to be with the woman you seem to have loved forever.”
“This little episode with my heart has made our time together all the more dear, not that either of us mentions it out loud.” Herman sipped his tea before he cleared his throat. “I’ve a feeling you’ve known your share of pain.”
“A dog bit me when I was a little girl.” Anna avoided looking at her neighbor.
“You’re not little anymore.” Herman said. He nodded toward Molly. “She’s a good dog.”
“Yes. And Nick’s trained her so well.” Anna absentmindedly ran her fingers through Molly’s black coat, warmed by the sun. “Look, I’m not even shaking.” Anna held her hand in front of her.
“There you go, Anna.” Herman winked.
“Okay, girl, let’s see what this lampshade is protecting.” Obediently Molly lay down, allowing Anna the opportunity to inspect her wounds. “You’re healing very well,” she crooned. “The area is nice and clean and you’re a good patient. Perhaps by Sunday your veterinary will allow you to skip the lampshade. But it is very fashionable for keeping the sun off your ears and out of your eyes.”
In response, Molly’s tail thumped against the floor.
Later, while Molly roamed the perimeter of the yard, Anna and Herman enjoyed the sunshine on the deck. When she looked over at the deck chair, Herman was asleep. She picked up the medical collar and motioned for Molly to follow her into the house.
She whispered to Molly, “Two bright women should be able to figure this out.” Kneeling eye-level with the dog, Anna wrapped the collar around Molly’s majestic head and clipped it closed. Another tiny bit of weight lifted from her shoulder as she stood. As if in agreement, a piece of hair fell across her forehead and covered one eye.
She smiled. There are a few things unfurling in my life.
Chapter 9
Nick drove his truck to the field where the wells and pump houses stood. Walking the pipeline searching for anything unusual—a soft spot, some disturbed earth—Nick’s mind kept returning to a similar time when the bomb with ball bearings caused him serious injuries. He found himself reaching for his rifle, a reflex action, when his foot twisted on a clump of gnarled roots. But his hand gripped air.
I need to get my head out of the past. Firmly he pushed the memories away and concentrated on the task at hand.
Maybe he was taking this to extremes, and M
ayor Reginald was right after all. It could be as simple as too much runoff from the mountains or another well further up the line with a lower water level. Or the earth’s plates had shifted and closed off one of the supplies of water.
He wished Molly was by his side. He counted on her alerting him to things happening before he saw or heard them. There wasn’t anywhere to hide on this flat prairie.
Nick turned toward the sound of an approaching vehicle. The public health inspector waved. Janis had phoned Nick informing him Diane was on her way.
“I’m glad you came,” he greeted her, taking note of her sensible shoes. “You can help me walk this line.”
“I’m not sure walking the line out here is going to help. We identified a toxin but it appears to be from a source other than the water supply. We still don’t have a handle on exactly what it is, and it’s acting very strangely. A toxin appears in certain soil samples but stops before it gets to the reservoir.” She consulted her tablet.
“Does that mean we have to dig up certain sections and check for leaks?” Nick’s mind raced. “That could be the quickest solution.”
The health inspector advised, “Start this afternoon on the street where most people have symptoms.”
“I’ll have to contract the work. We’re still on winter staff.” Nick reached for his phone. “I’ll make some calls. I’ll make it happen.”
“You do that. I’ll keep working on my end to identify this situation. In the meantime, keep the boil water advisory in effect.” She got into her car and drove away.
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