by Tl Reeve
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Keeley stepped from her truck, then walked slowly to the back door of the house but stopped short when she saw a note taped to the door. She glanced around, immediately feeling a sense of uneasiness wash over her. No! No! It was just starting to feel like home; he couldn't have found them so quickly—could he? She'd cleared everything before they left, and did even more when they arrived. No way he'd be able to find them yet.
They’d always had six months before the first note arrived. They’d been in Window Rock for less than a month. She tensed with apprehension as she approached the door with caution. What would it say this time? I want to peel the flesh from your body and watch you bleed… The last note had been the worst. Would this one be the final straw? She closed the distance between her and the house. If they were out there, watching her, she couldn’t run. Besides, it was better she found the note than Dani.
She glanced over at the house across the creek and a pang of regret lanced her heart at the thought of never being able to see Kalkin again. As much as the man infuriated her, he also fascinated her. She’d never tell another soul this, but she wanted him with every bone in her body. It had been as though his soul called to hers. The sensation reminded her of music, when it grew with sound, and emotion, drawing the listener in, making them yearn for more.
She approached the step leading to the sliding door, the note blowing in the afternoon breeze. She tried to prepare herself for what it might say. Her hand trembled as she reached up and pulled the note off the door. She closed her eyes and took a steadying breath. Whatever it said, they’d take care of it together. When she opened her eyes, Keeley read it. Relief flooded her. Her knees went weak. She leaned against the side of the house for support while trying to settle her erratic heartbeat.
The note had been from Kalkin.
His bold, clean handwriting announced Mrs. Martin wanted to see her at three that afternoon. He also let her know she could pick up Aiden's supply of breast milk while she was there, killing two birds with one stone. She couldn't help the smile that floated across her lips when she got to his final sentence. I would have sent you a text, but imagine that, the skittish next-door neighbor won't give her phone number to the sheriff. I guess I'll have to try harder. She snorted. Self-righteous bastard.
As the town's sheriff, and with most of the deputies his brothers, he could have easily gotten ahold of her. As a matter of fact, she’d seen Royce Raferty in town not more than twenty minutes ago while she had been shopping. Come to think of it, it seemed like Royce had become her personal shadow lately. Still a bit shaken up, she took her time heading back to her truck. She opened up the door, then slid into the driver’s seat. Keeley couldn't be mad at Kalkin for leaving the note; he hadn't known about their past, as neither Danielle nor herself had made a mention of it. Later, she’d tell him not to leave stupid notes on her door. If he needed something, he could wait…or something. She gripped the wheel a little tighter than she should have as she started the truck. The snap in the plastic angered her. If she let go of her control now, she’d mess everything up. Keeley closed her eyes and tried to focus her energy on relaxing. It’d been an innocent mistake. Kalkin couldn’t have known. He was helping her. After a few moments, her heart slowed down and her fear tapered off. So stupid.
She inhaled one more time and caught the whiff of something. She recognized the smell. It haunted her; sometimes in the morning when she stepped outside with her cup of hot tea, she thought she’d sensed it. Kalkin. Pure male, a bit of wild musk, with a hint of honey mixed in, and the clean edge of soap. She dreamed of it. Her eyes popped open before she glanced around her driveway, expecting him to be standing there. Watching her. Where the hell was that scent coming from?
She looked down, realizing the scent was coming from the note he had written to her. She brought it close to her nose, inhaling deeply. The scent overwhelmed her senses, calming her quicker than those stupid breathing techniques ever did. What the hell? This was what she had been reduced to? Sitting in a truck sniffing a piece of paper? She was pitiful, especially since the man in question would allow her to do so much more than scratch and sniff. She started the truck, put on her seatbelt, then crumbled up the note, throwing it on the passenger seat. She backed out of the long drive then headed for town.
She smiled as the last vestiges of the incident washed away. I deserve a treat after all of this shit. The coffee shop made a sinfully delicious concoction she enjoyed way more than she should, but fuck it, she’d reward herself with another one. Although, because the weather was a bit warmer today, perhaps she’d get one for Danielle, too. Can’t hog it all for myself.
They had a bright red one, with fresh raspberries and blackberries that looked refreshing the last time she was in there, so maybe her sister would like it. She pulled into the parking spot right in front of Mrs. Martin’s Consignment Shop, then put her truck in gear before turning off the engine and getting out. She locked the truck with the fob as she headed toward the front door.
“Hi!” A blue-eyed little devil with an exuberant grin and a slight bounce to his step approached her. “You must be the new lady in town. Mrs. Martin said you'd be here.”
“She did?” She stared down at the boy, who was no more than nine or ten years old. “Well, she’s pretty smart. What’s your name?”
“I’m Bodhi,” he answered. “What’s yours?”
“Keeley.”
“I like your name,” he replied. “It’s pretty.”
She smiled, allowing his compliment to roll over her. “Thank you. I like yours, too.”
He grinned then waved. “Gotta go! See you around, Keeley.”
“See you around, Bodhi!”
The bell over the door tinkled, announcing her arrival. The front of the store remained empty, and she was surprised to not see Mrs. Martin at the front of the shop.
“Mrs. Martin?” Keeley called out as she closed the door. “It's Keeley Blueriver. Sheriff Raferty said you wanted me to stop by?” She frowned when there was still no response. The few times they had come to the store, Mrs. Martin had always immediately greeted them the moment they stepped through the door.
“Mrs. Martin?” She opened up her senses, reaching out in attempt to see if she could find the older woman. She jumped when the curtains to the back shifted and Mrs. Martin stepped through, causing her to immediately shut down the tendrils she had reaching out, looking for anyone else in the shop.
“Hello, Keeley dear. I am sorry, I didn't hear you come in. I’ve been in the back finishing up some last-minute things. I didn't keep you waiting long, did I?” The elderly woman straightened the curtain then waddled down the middle aisle of the store. “Where is Danielle?”
Keeley watched the nearly eighty-year-old woman move quickly and spryly toward her. Mrs. Martin sure could move fast for an elderly woman. “No, ma'am. I just got here. Danielle had a couple patients today, plus she has Aiden to take care of.”
Mrs. Martin clucked her tongue as in disapproval. “Those boys,” she muttered.
“Caden, I believe, is with her.” She pivoted, following the elderly woman with her gaze as she went toward the door and turned the sign. “It’s not a big deal. Danielle and Aiden are two peas in a pod.”
“Follow me, dear.” Mrs. Martin motioned for Keeley as she headed back the way she came.
Keeley shrugged her shoulders and followed the grandmotherly lady. “Sheriff Raferty’s note didn't give me much information. Is everything okay with Aiden's milk? With you?” She stopped as Mrs. Martin pushed past the curtain into the back room.
A small table was set with an elegant lace tablecloth draped over it. A rose painted tea pot along with three delicate tea cups resting on their matching saucers sat on the small table. Off to the side, a two-tiered plate stand was situated, filled with a small assortment of finger sandwiches on the bottom, and an array of sweets overfilled the plate on top.
“I thought we could have tea while we talked.” Mrs. Marti
n took a seat, gesturing for Keeley to take the seat opposite of her. “You like tea, don't you, dear?” Her gentle blue eyes were clear and friendly, overflowing with love and a bit of mischief. If Keeley weren’t careful, she believed the woman could get her into trouble.
“I adore a good cup of tea, ma'am,” Keeley said as she sat down at the table. She quickly noticed a little container beside her cup filled with honey, a favorite condiment she took with her tea. Mrs. Martin poured her a cup, and Keeley quickly dipped her spoon into her honey, then mixed it into her tea.
“How is Aiden doing?” Mrs. Martin poured a cup for herself. “Has he done anything out of the ordinary?”
Keeley picked up her own cup, eyeing the sweet lady across the table from her. Out of the ordinary? “You mean other than the fact that a wolf pup is drinking human breast milk?” She startled the older woman with her quick wit and biting humor. “I am sorry, I just need to ask, why does a wolf pup require human breast milk?”
“Because he was premature, dear.” Mrs. Martin's tone was short and to the point like it was the only explanation needed, and the only one that would be given. “Try one of those sandwiches. The Peshastin Café made them special for me,” she stated, reaching for the tiered plate. The elderly woman pulled several of the small triangles off of the platter and onto her plate. “I confess, I ate a couple as I put them out, they are heavenly.” Her eyes twinkled with mirth as she picked up one and ate it.
“Eat up, dear.” Mrs. Martin smiled kindly at her. “You are way too skinny, and winter is coming. You will need to keep a layer of meat on your bones to stay warm. Or you will need to have a man to warm you on the long, cold nights.”
Keeley choked on her bite of her first sandwich, a bit surprised at the directness of the woman. First off, she was anything but skinny; second, what man would she be talking about? Did she know about her interest in Kalkin Raferty? Maybe she’d been too obvious. She reached for her tea cup, taking a sip.
“Did I shock you, dear?” Mrs. Martin asked innocently.
“No, ma'am.”
“We make the men in this town strong and with very wide shoulders if you haven't noticed. You should take advantage of it. Both you and your sister look like you could use someone to lean on. To help with that burden you both carry around.” Concern filled the elderly woman’s eyes. “Two young women shouldn't have to suffer through pain or loneliness.” Mrs. Martin reached out to touch Keeley's hand. “You both deserve some peace, some happiness. Some love. You just have to be open to it, child. You need to stop running, place your trust in a certain someone and let the chips fall.”
Keeley glanced away as her eyes filled with tears. No one had ever shown her or her sister such kindness. Apparently, it showed, too. Or maybe she was being paranoid. Nevertheless, kindness went a long way with her, seeing as how it meant someone at least cared about her. Not even her parents showed her as much, nor had they done anything for Danielle. No one ever worried about Dani’s or her happiness or well-being, but this woman, who had only known them a short time, did so. “We come with a lot of baggage, Mrs. Martin,” Keeley murmured once she’d was to gain control of her emotions. “More than most men would even want to take on.”
“Bullshit.” Keeley's head jerked up at Mrs. Martin's language. “Don’t look at me like I’ve grown a second head, child. I might be old, but I’m never too old to curse.” She winked. “A woman of my age has earned the right to do as I please. Wouldn’t you agree?” She took a sip of her tea, then motioned to the sandwich Keeley had barely touched. “Is the sandwich to your liking?”
“Yes. Perfect.” She took a bite. “Sorry, you’ve knocked me off balance.
Mrs. Martin patted her hand. “I remember what it was like to be young, to have love, to be loved. You have your whole life ahead of you. It's here, in this town. Don't throw it away. Keeley. You belong here. You know it, too. Don't you?” The genuine concern and gentleness gave her a sense of what it might have been like to have a grandmother…hell, a mother who wanted to be there for her, or her sister. Maybe the woman sitting across from her could be someone she could count on as family. It’d be nice.
“Yes,” Keeley whispered. “There are things, though...” She sighed when the kind-hearted woman raised her hand, stopping her.
“I am not the one you should be telling these things to, young lady. Deep down you realize your confession is meant for one person. It will just cause unnecessary issues. Ones you don't want or need to be dealing with.” The elderly woman’s tone grew firmer. “When the time is right, you will reveal what you need to. He can be trusted, you’ll see. He will protect you, Keeley, with his life.” She patted her hand again. “Drink your tea and eat. I am not letting this go to waste.”
“Yes, ma'am,” Keeley croaked, her mind racing with a thousand and one questions. “Mrs. Martin?”
“Yes, dear?”
“In all my life, no one…” Keeley glanced at the sweet older lady. “No one, other than Dani, has ever shown me such compassion or truly understood me. No one has given me the time of day to listen and offer advice if I needed it. I just wanted to, you know, say thank you.”
“Well, then.” Mrs. Martin grinned at her. “I am glad to be able to give you a first, but dear, it won't be the last. Trust me.”
“I do, Mrs. Martin. I do.” Keeley drank her tea and finished her sandwich. Trust, such a tenuous emotional bond she hadn’t shared with many. But Keeley began to realize she could have the same with Mrs. Martin as well as her sister. “Thank you.”
“You're welcome, dear,” Mrs. Martin replied. “Royce will be around in about twenty minutes to escort you home.” Her tone allowed for no further explanation and honestly, she didn't even want to ask, because it’d been the first time in a long time that she relaxed and allowed her mind to calm—not stress about the little shit she couldn’t control, even when she yearned to. “I would like to see Aiden, to make sure he is growing correctly.”
She scrunched up her nose. Aiden was a puppy. Why wouldn't he be growing right? As much as she liked the town, they sure were weird, considering she was the queen of weird. Still, the request came out of left field and seemed odd.
After her conversation earlier with Danielle, she decided to poke the bear, so to speak. “You know Danielle is a veterinarian, don't you?” Keeley observed the older woman, but she just smiled as she reached for another sweet on the plate.
“I do. I have no doubt both Danielle and yourself are providing the best care for him. I just want to see him. Surely it can be arranged? Come into town tomorrow to get his milk.” She popped the morsel into her mouth.
“Sure. Perhaps Danielle and I can go to lunch at the café while you spend time with the pup?”
Mrs. Martin nodded. “Perfect!”
“I will talk to Dani. Make sure she doesn’t have any clients scheduled for lunch tomorrow, then. It’ll be fun for her, too. She rarely gets out because she’s so busy.”
The elder woman gave her a knowing look.
“What?”
“Nothing.” However, the tilt of the woman’s lips said it was something.
Keeley didn’t press, though; instead, she kept the comments to herself, grateful for the chance to get out and be normal for a change.
Chapter Five
Danielle sat outside on the front porch after Keeley’s abrupt departure. After working in her tiny clinic for the morning, she decided to take the afternoon off. All of her new clients had been taken care of, and it was now only her and her pup. At that moment, Aiden was curled up in her lap, sleeping after a robust round of playing with his stuffed animal. Her treatments were working. Every night, she’d spend a few moments working on his little legs. The breaks in his bones were mending, and the bite marks on his neck were completely closed. She figured a few more days and the casts would come off. Then what? She ran her hand down his back, and he squalled and bumped her palm. His little mouth sought out and latched onto her finger. “Hungry, little guy?”
>
His front feet kicked at her while small grunts accompanied the squalls. Yes, he was definitely hungry. She opened the door and walked back into the house. There was only one more bottle of milk left. Come tonight, she’d have to go across the creek and ask for Caden’s help to procure more. Danielle opened the fridge and grabbed the bottle then put it down on the counter. “Just a few more minutes, my hungry little boy.” She rubbed his nose and was amazed by how big he’d grown in just a couple of weeks. Plus, he could put away food like it was going out of style. Even though Caden was convinced he’d been the runt of the litter, she had other ideas.
“Anyone home?” Caden’s rough timbre called out from the front door.
“Come on in, we’re in the kitchen,” she said, brushing her nose against Aiden’s. Once the bottle was on the stove in a small pot of water, she sat down at the table to wait for it to warm up. Caden stuck his head around the corner and smiled.
“I brought a soft treat for the little guy.” He lifted the bag for Danielle to see. “And a snack for us.” He lifted another sack as stepped into the room. “I hope you like cheesecake. The café in town makes the best New York style.” He unloaded the bags, putting the milk pouches into the freezer while leaving the cheesecake on the counter. “Forks?”
“First drawer on the left side of the stove.” She watched him work as she pulled the bottle from the pot and tested it, before putting it into Aiden’s mouth. The puppy took to it with gusto, sucking down the warm meal like it was going out of style.
“How’s he doing?” Caden lifted his chin toward the puppy while setting the Styrofoam container down in front of her.
“Well, I think he’ll be just fine. We’ve been playing this morning. He’s got some mobility with his back legs.”
Caden quirked a brow. “Already?”
She nodded. “I’ll take the casts off in a couple of days and let him try to walk. I’ll monitored his pain and how well he does. His bones are a little weak still, but I think another week and he’ll be healed.” Aiden cuddled into her arm as he finished his snack, his little eyes closing for a nap. “I need to ask you something about him.”