The Broken Road (The Broken Series)

by Ruff, K. S.

  Kimme, who was trying her best to be inconspicuous, raised a perfectly waxed eyebrow at me.

  I shrugged. “Maybe I should call him…”

  Kimme nodded. A huge grin spread like wildfire across her face.

  I dialed Charlie’s number, then sat back and stared at his office.

  Charlie turned toward his phone. Quirking his head slightly, he studied my handy work. I had Saran wrapped his phone with an entire box of Saran Wrap. His eyes shot up as Kimme and I burst out laughing. A mischievous look sparked in his ice blue eyes.

  My eyes widened as he leaned toward the file drawer where he keeps the super soaker. “Run!” I squealed. I grabbed my purse and shoved Kimme out the door ahead of me. It was close to five o’clock… close enough to call it a day anyway.

  We were dripping wet and laughing hysterically before we even reached the stairs. We were fast... but Charlie was faster. Of course, he wasn’t wearing heels.

  * * * * * *

  That night, I mulled over the fellowship application while toying with a tuna melt sandwich. The idea of living in DC was not appealing to me at all, but law school was proving problematic. I was struggling to find affordable housing in Missoula, which meant I’d have to apply for more student loans. By my calculations, law school was going to set me back a hundred thousand dollars. There’s no way I could make those kind of student loan payments working in public service law.

  The fellowship paid a sixty thousand dollar stipend for the year. That was nearly double my current salary. Of course, the cost of living in DC was much higher than in Montana, but still, that was a lot of money.

  My attorney friends warned me that I wouldn’t be able to work during the first year of law school. Evidently, the course load was so demanding it was impossible to manage even a part-time job. Most of these friends were actively discouraging me from going to law school. They weren’t happy practicing law. Charlie hadn’t been the only one telling me there were other ways to help people.

  “Why do people keep telling me that?” I asked the silver and black ball of fur curled next to me on the couch. Cade lifted his head and gave me an inquisitive look. As only a nine pound Shih Tzu could, Cade had long operated under the misperception that he was a Rottweiler. He had risked his life to save mine multiple times. We were completely inseparable.

  I scratched under his chin. “Don’t worry, little buddy. You go where I go.” Reassured, Cade tucked his face back into his paws. I raked my hand soothingly through his soft fur before retrieving a pen and paper from the coffee table. Drawing a long line down the center of the paper, I made two columns. I wrote “law school” at the top of the first column and “fellowship” at the top of the second.

  An hour later, I was still mulling over the list. I was surprised to find more advantages and less disadvantages listed in the fellowship column. I set the paper aside, then rubbed my blurry eyes. There was only one thing left to do. Pray.

  * * * * * *

  I was crawling under my desk, trying to retrieve my pen, when Charlie popped into my office. “God spoke to me last night.”

  I peeked out from under the desk.

  Charlie was leaning against the door to my office with an amused look on his face.

  I pulled myself up. I tossed the pen on the desk and reached for my coffee cup as I sank into my chair. “Really? Why doesn’t God ever speak to me?” I contemplated the answer to my own question as I warmed my hands against my coffee cup and breathed in the rich, earthy aroma.

  Charlie smiled. “He does. You’re just not listening.”

  I scowled at him.

  Charlie smiled as he dropped into the chair across from my desk. “He asked me to give you a message.”

  I raised my eyebrows, encouraging him to go on.

  “Apply.”

  I leaned back in my chair and smiled. “How is it that you got the answer to my prayer?”

  Charlie just grinned.

  I couldn’t help but wonder if he really did have a direct line to God. I chose my next words carefully. “I’ve given it some thought, Charlie. I’ll apply, but only one person in the entire country is awarded this fellowship each year. I seriously doubt they’re going to pick me.”

  “I don’t. Here’s my letter of recommendation and one from Mike.” Mike was Charlie’s boss and the head of our department. Charlie unfolded himself from the chair and placed the letters on my desk.

  I stared at the letters, completely stunned. “Now I really do have to apply.” I tried not to smile as I glanced at Charlie. “Are you trying to get rid of me?”

  Charlie rolled his eyes as he rose from his chair. “Today, Kri. Get it done today.”

  This time, I couldn’t decide whether to scowl or smile. Should I be concerned that he didn’t answer my question? I turned to my computer as I contemplated how best to approach the essay for the fellowship application. What do I hope to accomplish with this fellowship? I began typing and quickly lost myself in the possibilities.

  My printer was grinding out the application materials when Charlie reappeared hours later. “Are you ready to leave?” He had an odd look on his face.

  “Yep. I just finished my application for the senate fellowship. I was going to take it up to the front office and leave it for FedEx.” I took a deep breath. Am I really doing this?

  Charlie cleared his throat. He looked uncomfortable with what he was about to say. “You know, I saw that Michael character sitting outside in the parking lot. His Saab convertible is hard to miss. Is that restraining order still in effect?”

  My heart stalled as I sank back into my chair. “Yes, it is,” I whispered. “When did you see him out there?”

  “Just a few minutes ago, on my way back from the Capitol.” Charlie ran a hand through his hair. He appeared to be choosing his words carefully. “Kri, there is something about that man that rubs me the wrong way. How much do you know about him?” Charlie leaned against the door, concern etched across his kind face.

  I slowly pulled the application materials from the printer before responding. “Not much, Charlie. I know he’s originally from Portugal, and he’s working over at the State Board of Investments. I think he’s a financial analyst. He said something about managing hedge funds. We only went on four dates.”

  Charlie’s eyebrows rose as he silently encouraged me to go on.

  “I wanted to end things after the third date. We had stopped by his office after lunch that day. When he introduced me to his colleagues, he referred to me as his fiancé. As soon as we left his office I demanded to know why. He told me it was nothing. He claimed that fiancé meant sweetheart in French. He grew up in some French boarding school, so he primarily speaks French. I thought it was possible we were applying the label in different ways. Still, it bothered me. He insisted I was overreacting, but I knew something wasn’t right. I felt like he was handling me.”

  I took a deep breath and continued. “Despite the red flags, I decided to wait to end things until after New Year’s Eve, since we already had dinner reservations. I was shocked when he proposed that night, especially after he had insisted I read too much into the whole fiancé thing. I refused to accept the ring. I told him I couldn’t marry him… that I didn’t even know him. I told him he was moving way too fast and that I just wanted to be friends. He cried… like really cried.” I honestly didn’t see that one coming. Who proposes on the fourth date?

  Charlie’s eyes narrowed. “Let me guess… he wouldn’t take no for an answer?”

  I looked down at the application materials, which were still in my hand. I was a bit embarrassed to be discussing Michael with my boss; but Charlie was much more than a boss. He was like a second father to me. I shoved the application material in a FedEx envelope and pushed through. “I cut the evening short. He called me repeatedly that night. I talked to him the first few times. He tried to change my mind, but I stood firm. I gave up justifying my decision after the third phone call. He said he didn’t want to live without me… th
at he wouldn’t live without me. He begged me to go with him on a trip somewhere… anywhere. He thought we just needed time to be together... to work things out. I told him to stop calling. I told him I didn’t want to see him again. He wouldn’t stop, so I just let the answering machine pick up. He just kept hanging up and calling right back. After a while, I began counting how many times he called. He stopped somewhere around eighty.”

  Charlie said nothing. He simply shook his head.

  I looked back down at my hands. “I thought he had given up for the night, but he came over to my apartment around midnight and began pounding on the door. He begged me to let him in. I didn’t know what to do. It was late, but I was so scared I called Kimme. Her husband, Dan, came over, but by the time Dan got to my place, Michael was gone. Dan insisted I call the police while he walked the perimeter.”

  My voice cracked as I recalled what happened next. “After hearing what happened, the two police officers who came to my house split up. One officer stayed with me while the other one went to Michael’s apartment. A few minutes later, the officer who went to see Michael radioed the officer with me. He recommended I get a restraining order and find someplace else to stay for a few weeks… someplace Michael didn’t know about. Dan insisted I stay with them. The police officers followed us the entire way. They said they wanted to make sure we weren’t being followed. I don’t know what Michael told that cop, but it couldn’t have been good.” I shivered as I trailed off. “After everything I went through with my ex-husband, I just can’t be around someone like that. I won’t risk going down that road again.”

  Charlie pushed off from the door. “Be careful, Kri. I don’t like this guy. New Year’s Eve was over five weeks ago, and he’s sitting out in that parking lot right now. That tells me he has no intention of respecting that restraining order. I know it’s a public parking lot, but what business could he possibly have here? Get your computer shut down and pack your stuff up. I’m walking you out to your car.”

  I smiled shakily. “Thanks, Charlie, but I'm going over to the Windbag with Kimme. We’re having dinner and drinks with Ann and her posse tonight. Dan, Mac, Justin, Jerry, and Doug will be there. No one’s going to mess with me with all those guys around.” I shut my computer down and reached for my purse and the FedEx envelope as I walked around my desk. I gave Charlie a quick hug. “You should join us.” Charlie never joined us.

  “I can’t. Georgie is cooking something special tonight. I’m going home.” His face lit up like it always does when he talks about Georgie. He glanced at Kimme as she joined us in the hall. “Give me a minute to collect my things, and I’ll walk you ladies out.” He strode into his office.

  I was on edge by the time we left the building. There was no sign of Michael, so Kimme and I parted ways with Charlie.

  Kimme chatted me up as we drove to the Windbag, but I could tell she was nervous. She kept looking in her rear view mirror.

  I pretended I didn’t notice.

  The Windbag Saloon was nestled in Helena’s historic Last Chance Gulch. The place had served as a brothel in the old days. Now, it was one of the best restaurants in town. I loved the intimacy of the place with its dim lighting, exposed brick, and weathered wood walls. The Windbag made the best burgers in town, and they served their Mud Pie drizzled with Bailey’s Irish Cream if you knew enough to ask for it.

  I waved at the bartender as we walked into the restaurant. The entire gang had already commandeered a table near the back of the bar. Justin stood and pulled a chair out for me. Kimme dropped into the chair next to Dan. We didn’t bother placing an order; it was only a matter of minutes before the waitress brought a glass of Merlot for Kimme and a Chianti for me.

  I was halfway through my glass of wine when my thoughts returned to the fellowship application. I had the best friends. I loved the people sitting around this table. How could I possibly live any place else? I did an internal eye roll. Only one person would be awarded the position from thousands of applicants. No way was that going to be me.

  * * * * * *

  “It’s a wrap!” the director shouted. Three cameramen smiled in relief. We had just finished filming four episodes back to back.

  Thank God. My head was pounding. How did I ever let Charlie rope me into hosting this television show? Filming was beyond stressful, especially when you were trying to juggle three different camera views. I knew Aging Horizons was a good tool for educating and empowering the elderly; and I knew people were watching the show. Strangers recognized me on the street, and senior citizens were calling for more information about some of the topics we covered. Still, I hated being in front of the camera.

  I smiled at the guest speaker I had just finished interviewing. “Thanks for agreeing to be on the show, Rick. You did a great job capturing the importance of advance directives and living wills.” We stood and shook hands.

  Rick smiled warmly. “I'm happy to help. Let me know what you decide about hosting a show on estate planning next month. I can make another appearance or recommend another attorney for you to interview.”

  “Thanks, Rick. As soon as we firm up our topics for the next few shows, I’ll let you know. I really appreciate all your help.” I gathered up my things as Rick turned to leave.

  “Hey, Kri.” Al Marx, the Channel 4 Sports Broadcaster, stood smiling down at me from the spot where Rick had previously stood.

  I smiled. “Hi, Al. How are you?” I couldn’t help but like Al. He reminded me of a giant teddy bear… very friendly, always smiling, and kind of cuddly looking. He was a little goofy, but I suspected he was a lot of fun to hang out with.

  “Good. Good. Hey, I'm covering the basketball game over at Carroll College tonight. Do you want to go to the game with me and catch a late dinner afterwards?” Al looked at me a bit sheepishly. A nervous smile hung suspended on his face.

  Huh. I was a little surprised Al was asking me out. I didn’t even realize he knew my name. Everyone knew his name. How could they not? He was on the local news every night. I shifted nervously. I didn’t have anything planned for tonight, which was kind of a rare thing. “Uh, sure.” I cringed as I thought about how unintelligent that must have sounded. Filming those four shows back to back must have sucked more brain cells out of my head than I had previously thought. “Do you want to meet at the game?”

  Al was grinning now. “No. I live over by you, so I’ll swing by and pick you up.”

  I stilled. Very few people knew where I lived. I didn’t want my ex-husband finding out where my apartment was so I wasn’t exactly advertising my location. “How do you know where I live?” I asked quietly.

  That sheepish look slid back over Al’s face. “I see you walking your dog on my way to work.”

  I breathed a small sigh of relief. I could certainly see how that could happen. “Oh… okay. What time do you want to pick me up?”

  Al smiled. “How about six?” The sheepish look was gone. In fact, Al seemed to be standing about two inches taller. Was he… glowing?

  “Six is fine. See you then.” I smiled at Al as I slipped between him and camera three on the way out to my jeep. I needed to get my hands on some ibuprofen if there was to be any hope of dulling my headache before the game.

  * * * * * *

  Al picked me up shortly before six. I had changed into blue jeans, a black knit sweater, and black boots. He was wearing a gray tweed sports jacket with a white dress shirt and tie, which he paired with blue jeans and white athletic shoes. I thought it an eclectic mix of clothes, but he managed to make it work for him.

  As we backed out of my driveway, Al asked if I followed the teams from Carroll College. I reluctantly admitted that I didn’t follow their basketball teams... only the football team. The confession was a tad bit embarrassing considering Carroll College was my alma mater.

  Al was catching me up to speed with the basketball teams’ long list of accomplishments when I felt a surge of heat at my core. I felt a moment of panic as I contemplated whether I had wet my
pants. I studied Al with some suspicion. “Al, do you have… uh… seat warmers?”

  He roared as he slapped the steering wheel. “Yeah. How do you like the heat?”

  I shook my head and grinned. That sly dog. I turned toward Al as I settled into the warm seat. It was already proving to be a very entertaining evening.

  * * * * * *

  Al was a lot of fun to hang out with. I couldn’t imagine a more ideal date for a basketball game. We went to the Brew House for dinner after the game. We both ordered wine and Chicken Marsala. The waiter nearly singed his eyebrows when he set the entrée on fire.

  Al was always hamming it up for the cameras, so I was surprised to learn he wasn’t goofy all the time. He was really smart, well-traveled, and he knew a lot about DC. When I told him about the fellowship, he assured me DC wasn’t all bad. According to Al, some people actually enjoyed living there.

  I walked away from the date with a far better appreciation for Al. I smiled at him as he pulled his SUV into my parking lot. It was late. Without any street lights, the parking lot was dark. “I had a nice evening, Al. You’re a lot of fun to be around.”

  “Thanks for agreeing to go on such short notice. I really enjoyed your company.” Al returned the smile as he eased his vehicle next to mine. His smile slowly faded. “Isn’t that your jeep?”

  I turned to look out my window. “Yes. Why?”

  There was a slight edge to his voice. “Did you leave the interior lights on?”

  I shook my head. “I don’t think so.” Looking back at my jeep, I could see the interior lights were on. I didn’t turn those on, did I? It was still light outside when I parked my jeep. I wouldn’t have had any reason to turn them on.

  “Let’s check it out,” Al suggested.

  My heart began racing as we stepped out of Al’s vehicle to examine my jeep. I went to unlock the driver’s side door.

  Al was already on the other side of the jeep. “Hey, Kri? The passenger door is open.”