Covered in Coal

by Silla Webb

  She opens the door to James’ office, and offers me a variety of refreshments while I wait. Taking a seat in front of the large cherry wood desk, I nod at her offer.

  “Very well, Mr. McCoy will be with you shortly,” she says, as she peers down her nose at me, then sneers as she turns on her heels, with a little extra twist her hips, pulling the door together tightly. Feeling as if I made Alisa feel a little threatened in her own environment, I laugh inwardly at myself.

  As I wait rather impatiently for James to arrive in his office, I remove the files that I found in the large oak chest from my messenger bag, and lay them in my lap. I read over the Life Insurance Policy again, careful not to leave out any pertinent information. However, the information is all basic. If that one little RELATIONSHIP line would have accurately filled in, I’d have the answers of which I seek. Growing impatient, my mind begins to wonder, filled with what-ifs, crazy scenarios that I need not entertain. The door handle rustles and turns, as the door inches open, revealing the short, frumpy attorney, James McCoy. Hurrying around his desk, with his briefcase tightly in hand, he extends his apologies for his lateness.

  “Ah, Carly, forgive me, please. My court case went later than I expected. What do I owe the pleasure of seeing you today?”

  “James, I was wondering if you could answer some questions for me about my daddy. I know y’all were close for the most part of his life, and I’m hoping you can enlighten me on something I have uncovered this week.”

  Confusion marks James’ face as he leans forward, and rubs his chin. “Uncovered? What do you mean?” Leaning across the desk, I hand him a manila folder, filled with the contents that I had found from the chest. Filled with pictures, newspaper clippings, and the life insurance documents. James spreads the documents out across his desk, and looks each one over closely. A blank expression mares his face, as he reads the life insurance document. Laying the document back down on the desk, he rubs his hand over his chest, leaning back in his chair as he releases a deep breath. “What exactly do you think you have uncovered here, Carly?”

  “I don’t know, that’s why I came to see you. You were Daddy’s attorney for as long as I can remember, so you have to understand the connection that he had with Drew Varney.”

  “I’m sorry, Carly, but I don’t.” James states.

  “You handled all of Daddy’s business and affairs, you can’t possibly expect me to believe that load of shit!” I spew at him. The blank expression on his face, tells me he knows more than he’s leading on.

  “All I can tell you about Drew Varney is what you most likely already know. He’s the owner of American Heritage Coal Company.” James replies.

  “Damn it, I already know that! I need to know why my daddy would have hidden pictures of this man, pictures that tell a story of his life over the years. Pictures of events that Daddy attended. Why would Daddy leave Drew such a large amount of money? None of it makes sense!” I yell as the anxiety of the situation gnaws at me.

  “Carly, you have to understand, I have confidentiality rights I have to abide by. Anything your father discussed with me, any prior agreements, or arrangements I may have handled for him, are all confidential. By law, I can’t relay any information to you.”

  “James, don’t you dare sit there and hide behind your law degree! You were his friend, and of anyone, you would know his secrets! Why the hell would he have all of this hidden away for so long? I just want answers to the secrets he held.” I plead, frustration marring my face as my eyebrows squish together, wrinkling my soft forehead. Taking a deep breath, James leans forward and begins shuffling all of the documents into the file.

  “Have Alisa make copies of these documents on your way out, and I’ll have my investigator look into it. But I can’t promise you anything.” Standing, I take the file from his hand, and thank him for his understanding. He assures me that he should have some answers within a couple of weeks, but my patience is important to the investigation. Nodding in agreement, I shake his hand before turning on my heels, leaving James to his work, and in search of Alisa, his self-indulgent assistant.

  At her desk, filing her nails, rather than paperwork, Alisa acts as if I’m non-existent in her presence, until I make my presence known by tossing the file down on her desk. “Sorry to interrupt your indulgence of self-pampering, but James needs copies of all of the documents in this file. Oh, make it quick, I have a busy day.” Raising her right brow, she spins out of her chair, and trudges towards the copier behind her desk. Stuffing the papers back into the folder, she forcefully hands the folder to me, with a sneer on her face.

  “Have a pleasant day, Ms. Simon.” With a polite smirk, I giggle at her attempt to intimidate me, and thank her for her time. With a twist of the hip, I exit the law office and make my way out into the windy fall day, to my cherry red Camaro.

  The smooth, luxurious leather seat cradles me as I hug the winding curves of the road. En route back to Simon Energy, my stomach begins a thunderous roar, demanding my attention. I realize I haven’t had lunch yet, so I make a pit stop at my favorite little country diner, The Village.

  Pulling into the small gravel lot, the only vehicle in sight is a black Harley. Mister Badass Biker. I let the motor of the Camaro idle as I argue with myself over eating lunch alone, while peering into the mesmerizing blue eyes that captured my attention once before, or sulking in my office over a cold ham sandwich. Damn it Carly, it’s just lunch! I scold myself, before climbing out of the Camaro.

  I walk with a proud stride into The Village, taking a seat towards the back of the restaurant. As the waitress makes her way over to me, I immediately place my order for a large sweet tea and chicken and dumplings, one of my favorite comfort foods. A nervous wave rolls tightly in my stomach, before it comes crashing down, sending shocking twinges throughout me. Fidgeting to find a distraction, before our gazes lock, I turn my attention to a bubble pop game on my cell phone; any distraction is welcome at this point. It will save me the embarrassment of gawking at the sexy biker.

  Glancing nervously, I see Mister Badass Biker is wearing faded jeans with worn holes at the knees, a tight grey t-shirt sprawled across his muscular chest, and a black ball hat, turned backwards on his head. Before getting caught stealing glances, I quickly avert my eyes back to the screen of my smartphone, completely uninterested in popping bubbles.

  Minutes pass before the aroma of buttery decadence fills my senses. Inhaling deeply, I look up to see rough hands setting a bowl of homemade chicken and dumplings down before me. As our eyes meet, the most beautiful smile spreads across his tan face. Mouth agape, I stare deep into his spell binding baby blues. My mouth begins to water at the sight of this glorious man.

  His deep husky voice breaks my trance. “Sorry, Mitzi went on a smoke break, and I didn’t want your food to get cold.” Unable to speak, I smile, shaking my head lightly in appreciation. “Ain’t seen that beautiful smile in a damn long time,” the sexy biker says. Stunned at his brazenness, I arch my eyebrow and look at him for a second, trying to register any sense of familiarity. “You don’t remember me, do ya, Carly?”

  My cheeks flush red from embarrassment, as I shake my head from left to right, “Should I?”

  He laughs a hearty chuckle, and sits down at the table, casually.

  Leaning forward, he peers deep in my eyes, then reaches up and rubs his finger across his eye brow. “Eighth grade gym class, we were playin’ softball. You couldn’t catch the ball, so I laughed at you. Sure as hell could throw though. I made you so mad pickin’ on ya every time you dropped the ball, that you threw the damn ball right at my face, splittin’ my eye brow in two. Remember now?”

  I stare at him for a second, as the dreadful memory of my junior high days flash back through my memory. My mouth drops, because this man, this bad ass biker sitting in front of me sure as HELL ain’t the same wimpy kid I knew so many years ago.

  “Luke? Luke Ashton?” He nods as a gorgeous smile splays across his tan cheeks.

 
“Oh my god I’m so embarrassed, I had no idea. You look, amazing.” I stand and give him a warm hug, and he embraces me tightly, as he sniffs my hair. What the hell? Did he really just sniff me? Weird. The heat of his touch singes my skin, sending an electrifying jolt coursing through straight to my core. I feel unbalanced. I pull away from him quickly, and sit back down.

  “Join me.” I nod to the chair he just stood from.

  He gives me a panty melting smile and says, “I’d love to honey, but it’s supposed to start stormin’ soon, and I’m on my bike.”

  “Well it was good seein’ ya. Be safe out there.”

  He nods and says, “See ya ‘round,” before turning on his heels towards the counter. Before he exits the restaurant, he slides his aviators onto his chiseled face, and flashes me a sweet smile.

  Staring down at the bowl of southern goodness of chicken and dumplings, I try to focus on my lunch, so I can get back to the mines. I check my email while I eat, a good distraction from the frenzy of events my day has been filled with.

  After I have cleaned my bowl, I grab my purse to leave. At the counter, I ask for my check, and a to-go cup of sweet tea.

  “Sweetie, Luke paid your check.” Mitzi, the bubbly blond waitress says.

  “Luke? Why?” I ask in confusion.

  “Ah, honey, he’s just sweet like that, yeah.” Handing me the to-go cup of sweet tea, Mitzi asks if I need anything else. Handing her a tip, I thank her for my meal, and make my way out into the chilly fall day.

  I climb into my Camaro quickly, trying to shield myself from the breeze that is blowing through the air. Dark grey clouds begin to mask the sun, warning of the rain storm rolling in. I drive with caution in the rain back to Simon Energy on the winding roads. The wind is strong and fierce, as the heavens open up and lightening crashes down from the sky. My senses immediately heighten as fear takes over. I have always been terrified of storms.

  Gripping the steering wheel tightly, my knuckles turn white from the tension. I continue to drive the curvy roads, when I come upon a motorcycle parked along the shoulder of the road. The weather is too treacherous for any stranded motorists, so I pull along the side of the shoulder to see if I can help. Rolling down the passenger side window, I yell, “Do you need any help?” As the biker raises the visor on his helmet, I am met with baby blue eyes yet again. Before he can even respond to my question I yell to him, “Luke, get in the car!”

  Standing from the Harley, he shakes the water from his leather jacket, and in a few strides, he opens the car door and climbs in. Luke pulls his helmet off first, then the black leather jacket. Cranking the heat up, I pull out onto the road. Running his hands down his soaked, tight denim jeans, he releases a huff of air.

  “Didn’t think it was gonna storm this early.” Luke says as he looks up at me. Stealing glances while trying to concentrate on the road, I smile shyly at him.

  “Where do you live, and I’ll drop you off?”

  “Same old place, Millers Branch.”

  We ride in silence for ten minutes through the torrential downpour. Lightning strikes crash down consistently, keeping my nerves frayed. Gripping the steering wheel tighter, Luke begins to chuckle.

  “What’s so funny?” I ask him, offended that he has the nerve to laugh at someone kind enough to save his ass from the storm.

  “Sorry, I’m not laughin’ at you, really. You have the steerin’ wheel in death grip. Are you scared of storms?”

  Smiling lightly, I roll my eyes because he is very observant. “Yeah, terrified in fact.”

  “It’s okay Carly. Just take some deep breaths. You’re safe,” he replies with a smile, and something in his voice tells me he’s right. I’m safe.

  Keeping my eyes trained on the road, I try to stay focused on driving through the storm, but make light conversation, so I don’t come off rude.

  “So, how’s life been treatin’ ya?”

  “Good I guess…same old shit, different day, really. You?”

  “Good, I just moved back home, actually.”

  “Yeah, you kinda fell off the face of the earth there for a while, didn’t ya?”

  “I guess you could say that.”

  “Sorry to hear ‘bout your old man. Is that what brought you home?”

  I remain silent for a minute, considering my answer. “Thanks, Luke. I came home just before Daddy died. Never had any intentions of staying here, but he left me in control of the mines, so I’m here to stay I guess.”

  “Sorry Carly, I shouldn’t have mentioned it. That was rude of me.”

  “No worries, Luke. Gotta move on sometime, ya know?” I reply. “So have you settled down and made some gal a lucky woman yet?”

  Silence. Luke’s demeanor switches immediately like a light switch from shy and sweet, to cold and distant. He stares out the window, watching the rain fall down the glass as we turn onto Millers Branch. We ride together in silence up the desolate holler until we reach the small beaten down house that Luke grew up in.

  I pull into the driveway and shut the engine off. Luke runs his hand nervously down his jeans, before turning towards me. His gaze captivates me, held prisoner by piercing blue eyes eyes that glisten behind long dark lashes. His gaze is one I know all too well. Looking deep beyond his baby blues, he looks broken. I can see heartache and anguish beyond his eyes; it’s a look that reflects my own.

  “Thanks for the lift. See ya ‘round, Carly.” Popping the latch on the door, he grabs his helmet and climbs out, slamming the car door behind him. He makes his way inside his house, with his head hung down. Addled by his reactions, I start the engine, and back out of the drive way and onto the winding country road.

  Chapter 16

  Pulling into the driveway, I notice a black Chevrolet Silverado is parked to the side. I put the Camaro in park, and shut the engine off. My hands tremble as I reach for the door latch.

  Approaching the front porch, I see Colton is sitting on the porch swing, with his head in his hands. He’s still in his mining stripes, covered in coal, black from the soot that he’s been crawling through all day. Seeing him like this, broken, causes my heart to falter. My heart slows down to a snail’s pace, as I feel the earth stand still. Walking towards him, I can hear my heart, the beat of a staccato, pounding slowly against the walls of my chest, desperate for an escape to the one and only man it has ever belonged to.

  Sitting down beside him, I pull his hand into my lap, weaving our fingers together. Colton keeps his head down, and his eyes shut, squinting in pain. Grasping his chiseled chin, I pull his face towards me, willing him to open his eyes for me. When he opens his eyes, I wish he hadn’t. I’m exposed to the world of anguish that Colton is living in. His deep brown eyes are marred with red vessels, and tears vying for their release.

  Taking a deep breath, I stand, pulling on his strong hand to follow me. Living with my own heartache has been insufferable, but seeing Colton, broken, reaching out for the healing that he so desperately needs, is my complete undoing. I have to be strong for the both of us. We’re both gambling on love, gambling on each other.

  I lead him inside, away from the brisk fall air. I climb the stairs to my bedroom, to change my clothes, and Colton follows behind like a lost puppy. Grabbing some comfy UK sweat pants and a tank top from my closet, I go to the bathroom to change, leaving Colton standing alone and distant in the doorway. As I’m changing, I hear soft music echoing from my room. My heart constricts, slamming against my chest, as nerves rattle deep in my stomach. Pinching my eyes closed, I take a deep breath, before stepping back into the bedroom.

  Opening the door, I notice the song playing is Fall Into Me by Brantley Gilbert. He grasps my wrists between fingers, and pulls me tightly to him, wrapping his arms around my waist as he begins to turn me slowly to the rhythm of the song. Running his nose up the crook of my neck, and through my hair, Colton hums the tune quietly. Taking deep inhales, he begins to nibble lightly on my ear as deep rattling groans escape him. The music continues to play, as
we tangle ourselves in the others embrace, swaying to the rhythm.

  Snuggled tightly to his chest, Colton tips my chin up so he can peer down into my eyes, seeing my heart, hearing what I can’t say with words. “Let me be your love song, Carly Jo,” Colton’s deep husky voice, barely a whisper.

  Slowly, he leans in and takes my bottom lip between his, gently teasing with soft licks. Gripping my hair in his hand, Colton tips my head back, and works his way softly down my neck, and across my collarbone. Running his fingers under the hem of my tank top he gently massages the small of my back, as he trails sweet kisses down my shoulder. Inching my shirt up slowly, Colton grazes the hem of my bra, before he quickly pulls my shirt over my head, leaving me feeling vulnerable and exposed. I immediately want to cross my arms over chest, but I shake those thoughts, as I remember this is Colton. He’s the same man I gave my innocence to so many years ago.

  Sensing my anxiety, Colton rubs soothing circles across my back, as he continually kisses the crook of my neck. Completely carried away by his affectionate conquest, I give into temptation and begin to love Colton back.

  Rubbing my hands up the hard muscles of his back, I pull his shirt loose from his pants, then work my way back to the front to unbutton them. Surprised by this, Colton becomes even more excited, and kisses me deeper, harsher. Pulling his work shirt off, he rips the white under shirt away quickly, desperate not to break contact with me.

  I trail my fingers up Colton’s bare tight chest, and my knees grow weak, trembling with fear, and passion. Colton continues to sway me to the music, which he has on repeat, as he hums softly. “Fall into me, Carly Jo, I’ll catch you, and hold onto you forever,” Colton croons between hums.

  My trembling knees fail me, and I stumble, but Colton grasps me tightly, then lays me back on the bed. A wide smile spreads across his gorgeous tan face. I feel a wall around my heart crack at his smile. His eyes glisten with love as he gazes deep into my soul, searching to find the love for him that has always been there.