Teaberry Chase

by R A Wallace

  ***

  The flowers in the park were beautiful. Misty walked slowly down the paved path through the park. Normally, it was something she enjoyed doing. On this walk, however, her mind kept returning to her lack of employment. She needed to get another job and fast.

  The sound of a bird call in a nearby tree caused her to stop. She looked up, checking all of the branches until she finally spotted the pileated woodpecker near the top clinging to the trunk of the tree. He was hopping around, looking for something to eat. Nearby, she heard another call. A mate, perhaps.

  She sighed and began walking again. She’d really hoped that the job at the bank would last. It didn’t matter so much that she hadn’t really liked it. It was a stable income. Something she desperately needed whether she liked the job or not.

  It was true that she didn’t enjoy being cooped up inside all day. She took a deep breath of the fresh air and looked around at the beauty that surrounded her. Too bad there wasn’t an opening at the park. She’d love to spend all day there.

  The dampness in her hand brought a smile to her face. She looked down at the intelligent eyes staring back at her.

  “Well, hello again.” She automatically began rubbing the dog’s ears. “Are you lost?” Misty searched for a collar. “Uh, oh. I take it this is an unauthorized expedition?”

  Misty glanced around. She didn’t see the tall man that had been with the dog the last time she’d seen it. In fact, she didn’t see anyone at all.

  “We’re going to need to find your human.” Misty stood again. “Maybe we should go this way?”

  The Malinois perked its ears forward as though it understood. Misty motioned with her hand. The dog fell into step beside her, easily matching its gait to hers.

  “It’s much nicer walking through the park with you than doing it on my own.” Misty kept her hand just above the dog’s head. Periodically, she would touch it as though reassuring the dog that they were still in it together.

  “Hey, I see someone that looks familiar. I think that’s the lady from Togs. Is she the one you’re here with?” Misty stopped and waited for Giselle to reach them. She smoothed her hand down the dog’s back and gently pressed. The Malinois sat and waited beside her.

  “Dakota! You gave me a heart attack.” Giselle stooped down and put the collar back on before standing again. “Thanks for finding her.”

  Misty smiled. “I think she found me, actually.”

  “Well, whatever. I’m just glad she’s back. I should get her home before anything else happens.” Giselle looked down at Dakota. The dog was focused on Misty. “How did you get her to behave for you?”

  Misty looked down into the intelligent eyes. “I didn’t get her to do anything.”

  ***

  Gabe returned a greeting to a group of people passing by his camp site. The trials were over for the night. It was just a matter of everyone clearing out from the grounds of the off-road trail. Those staying at the campground were returning slowly but surely. Often, they passed close to his site because of its location. He was right on the line between the two properties.

  He tossed another log onto his campfire. He was nearly out of wood. He’d have to stop by the office and order another delivery or he wouldn’t have enough for the rest of the weekend. As he stood staring at the flames with a beer in his hand, he thought more about the argument between Alva and Ken that he had interrupted earlier.

  He wondered what had prompted it in the first place. He knew that the other guys that hung around Ken didn’t really trust him. For that matter, he doubted that Ken did either. They had never hung out together in the past. Gabe had always made it a point to stay away from them.

  He hoped he’d managed to diffuse the situation at least temporarily. He needed to be successful with everything he was working toward now. It was important to him. More important than anything he’d done in a very long time.

  Chapter Six

  It was a beautiful day to spend outside with her family. Dena looked in her rear-view mirror. Luke and Asher were so excited, they could barely sit still. She quickly glanced at Misty before focusing back on the road.

  “It’s Saturday, so I’m sure the place will be packed with people. Hopefully, you’ll see something of interest. I just hope you aren’t too bored with us today.”

  Misty turned to Dena. “Oh, I can’t imagine that. I love being outside. I’ve never been to the off-road trail but I’ve wanted to get out there.”

  “Good. But if you get fed up, just let me know and we’ll call it day.” Her eyes went to the rear-view mirror again expecting the boys to protest. Fortunately, they were keeping each other amused playing I Spy.

  Dena slowed to join a line of cars waiting to turn into the property.

  “Do you guys come out here often?” Misty was looking around with interest.

  “Usually just when there’s a practice session of some sort going on. They let us in for free then.” Dena made a face at Misty. “I love free.”

  Misty chuckled. “I know what you mean. Free is good.”

  “Money is definitely tight.” Dena glanced at Misty again. “I checked with Ava. She said she doesn’t have any openings right now.”

  Misty focused on the vehicles in the line in front of them. “Thanks anyway. I’m sure I’ll find something. I always do. This isn’t the first time I’ve lost my job. I’m sure it won’t be the last.”

  “You can’t find something you like?” Dena moved forward when the line in front of her moved.

  Misty let out a sigh. “That’s the problem, I guess. I still don’t know what I want to be when I grow up. The problem is, I’m already in my thirties.”

  “Yeah.” Dena glanced in the rear-view mirror.

  Sitting in line got the boys’ attention. They were no longer playing their game. Instead, they were sitting up to look out the windows.

  “Mom!” Luke pointed forward. “I can see some of the big trucks.”

  “Is Gabe going to be here?” Asher asked no one in particular.

  Dena felt the flush in her cheeks. Thankfully, Luke interrupted by reading the sign in front of them.

  “The Teaberry Chase.” Luke pointed again.

  “Why do they call it a chase?” Asher strained against his seatbelt to see more.

  Dena frowned at the sign. “I don’t know, sweetie. I guess it’s just because they chase each other around the trail.”

  ***

  Bella stood next to the examination table while Casey worked on the patient. The large basset hound turned woeful eyes toward her. Bella crooned meaningless words, hoping they would somehow comfort the animal while Casey finished tying off the last of the stitches.

  “And that’s the last one.” Casey straightened and spoke to the dog. “That wasn’t so bad, was it?”

  The dog shifted his sad gaze to Casey. Casey smiled and turned around to pick up the collar.

  Bella began rubbing the dog’s head. She knew what was coming next.

  “Do you have a good hold?” Casey asked.

  Bella nodded as she did her best to steady the dog so that Casey could fit the large cone-shaped collar around the dog’s neck.

  “He’s not going to be very happy about this,” Casey murmured.

  She knew that was true. None of the animals ever liked wearing the collar but she knew it was for their own good. The basset hound would never leave the stitches alone long enough to let the area heal without it.

  Bella waited in the exam room with the dog when Casey left to get the owner. A few minutes later, the unhappy basset hound left the building. Bella walked down the hall to the rear of the building where they kept their guests. She found Ethan waiting for her with Cooper.

  “Hey, Coop.” Bella lavished the dog with attention.

  “Let’s hope this works.” Ethan turned toward the small beagle. His cries were nonstop and had been ever since he’d arrived.

  She opened the cage door and carefully took the beagle from the cage. She stooped
down to the floor to set the whimpering dog in front of her then reached back into the cage.

  “I gave him this stuffed toy hoping it would help keep him company.” She placed the toy next to the beagle. “So far, it hasn’t. I’m hoping Cooper has better luck.”

  “Okay, Coop. Let’s give this a try.” Ethan crouched down next to beagle and motioned to Cooper.

  The border collie moved forward then stopped when he reached the beagle. Cooper touched his nose to the top of the beagle’s head. Bella and Ethan shared a hopeful look but the beagle continued to cry.

  Bella let out a sigh. “I guess he misses his owner too much to worry about the friendship of another dog.”

  “It was worth a try.” Ethan made a hand signal to Cooper and the dog immediately spread out on the floor next to the beagle.

  “Maybe we should have tried with Galen,” Bella said. “I just figured he was too young still. He would be all excited and trying to play.”

  “I don’t think that would have worked either.” Ethan stood. “I’ll tell mom she can take Cooper home after she drops me off at work.”

  Bella watched the beagle for a moment longer before nodding her head. “Okay. Thanks anyway.” She lifted the beagle when she stood to return him to the cage.

  “Have a good day at work.” Ethan motioned to Cooper. The border collie leapt up to follow him out.

  “You too.”

  ***

  The crowd was way bigger than she had imagined. Dena kept a close eye on both boys as they navigated their way around. She was glad she had Misty with her to help. They finally found a spot that they liked and the two women unfolded their chairs to sit. The boys preferred to stand. They would be able to see the trucks involved in the hill climb challenge. When the boys tired of that, they would move to another area to see a different challenge. The actual Chase began later in the day and would be completed the following day on Sunday.

  “This is awesome!” Asher yelled over the noise.

  Dena shared a smile with Misty then her eyes went over Misty’s head to the man standing behind her.

  “Hey.” Dena didn’t notice the others behind Gabe at first.

  “Hey.” Gabe kept moving.

  The man beside him grabbed his arm. “Who is this?” Ken smiled down at the ladies.

  Gabe made the introductions.

  “I didn’t know Gabe had any friends here.” Ken held up his arm. He was carrying a pile of pamphlets in it. “I see you have kids so you must be interested in education. We’ve been walking around sharing our news with everyone.” Ken passed flyers to Dena and Misty.

  Dena glanced down at it quickly. Her eyes went up to Gabe. He stared back at her as Ken explained the online gambling opportunity but she couldn’t read the expression behind his sunglasses.

  “Thanks, but I’m not into gambling.” Dena tried to pass the flyer back.

  Ken wouldn’t take it. “Keep it. In case you change your mind, or you could pass the info along to someone else.”

  Dena fixed a smile on her face before turning back to watch the hill climb challenge. Ken didn’t take the hint. He remained for several more minutes trying to convince Misty to try her luck at his online gambling site. Finally, they left.

  “Interesting guy,” Misty said.

  Dena made a face but didn’t comment. A few hours later, Dena convinced the boys it was time to go home. The boys walked in front of them as Misty and Dena followed carrying their chairs. They were in the area of the property that was closest to the campground. Dena looked up the slope, wondering if she could pick out Gabe’s trailer. He’d mentioned it was right on the property line. Asher’s cry of alarm made her drop her chair.

  “What’s wrong?” She moved to catch up with him. The boys were standing close together.

  “It’s okay,” Misty said. “There’s nothing to be afraid of.”

  Dena moved closer to the boys as Misty bent down next to the black and white dog.

  “He jumped out at us,” Luke said. “It scared Asher.”

  “I wasn’t scared!” Asher took another step closer to Dena and reached for her hand.

  Misty placed her hand on the dog’s head. He had been dancing around but settled as soon as he felt her touch.

  “Why is it running around without a leash?” Dena asked. “And an owner.” She began looking around them. She spotted one of the men that she’d seen with Gabe earlier. He looked angry. She felt angrier.

  “Is this yours?” Dena took a step forward, positioning herself between the man and her children.

  “He won’t hurt anyone.” He motioned to the dog. “Come on.”

  They watched as the man turned to walk away. The dog remained by Misty who stood as the man turned again. This time, he grabbed the dog’s collar and dragged it along beside him. Dena picked up her chair and motioned to the boys to follow her to the car.

  “He seems like a nice dog,” Misty said.

  Dena glanced behind them. “Not sure we can say the same about the owner.”

  Chapter Seven

  Gabe stood next to his RV with a remote in his hand. One of the things he loved about the RV was the option to have a flat panel television on the outside when camping. The volume ran through the speaker also located on the outside. He often listened to the radio that way but tonight he was showing a taping of some of the Chase events of the day. He figured it was appropriate. Besides, he’d been too busy with Ken and the others to actually enjoy any of it.

  He was in full party mode. He had his string lights hanging around the perimeter of his camp site, the Chase was queued up and ready to play as soon as people began arriving, the cooler was full of beer and wine, and Roxie had delivered a new load of wood for the camp fire. A frown furrowed his forehead as he remembered the look on Dena’s face earlier.

  “Are we ready for a party?”

  Gabe put on a happy face and turned. He held his remote up. “I am. About time you guys showed up.”

  Ken motioned to the television. “Are you kidding me?”

  “I know, right?” Gabe hit the play button on the remote. “Watch this.”

  As the replay began showing, he waved to the cooler. “Grab a cold one.”

  Ken held up the can in his hand. “I’m good at the moment.”

  Gabe looked at the others. “Harley? Dack? Bennie? How about you guys? You good?”

  “I’m not.” Harley moved over to the cooler and opened the lid.

  “Grab me one.” Dack easily caught the can Harley sent flying his way.

  Bennie joined Harley at the cooler and took his place digging into the ice to check out the labels. Harley popped the top of his can and turned back to the television.

  “I saw that.” Harley motioned with his beer before taking a drink.

  “I didn’t think he’d make it up the hill.” Bennie stood beside him.

  Dack made a noise and motioned to Bennie with his beer. “If you were driving it old man, you wouldn’t have made it.”

  Ken shifted his gaze to Harley and Bennie. “Sounds like you were gawking more than you were hawking.”

  “Hey, it’s not often you get to come to something like this,” Dack said. He reached up and pushed around the bandana he was never seen without using it to scratch his scalp.

  “You’ve seen enough races in your lifetime.” Ken continued to pin them with a steely gaze.

  “Yeah, racing around a circle.” The condensation from Harley’s can dripped onto his tee as he tipped it back for another drink.

  The scowl on Ken’s face was unmistakable. “You get paid to do whatever I tell you to do. That doesn’t include watching the action.”

  Gabe’s eyes darted back to the three men across the fire pit from him. Harley shifted his feet but remained silent. Dack was staring at the ground. Bennie’s face was impassive. Gabe knew that Bennie was somewhere in his forties. Maybe he’d seen enough of the world to not shake in his boots like the other two. Dack and Harley were still in their twenties.
<
br />   “You call this a party?” The man walking toward them was also in his twenties.

  Gabe motioned to the tattooed man when he reached them. “Hey, Ike. Beer’s in the cooler.”

  “Other than watching the Chase activities, what else did everyone get accomplished?” Ken looked around the group.

  “I talked to a lot of people,” Dack said. “They all seemed interested.”

  “Me too.” Ike popped his beer can top then moved to stand next to Harley and Dack.

  Gabe couldn’t help making a comparison. He didn’t ever remember seeing Dack without the bandana on his head. Ike was covered in tattoos. Gabe had never seen him when he wasn’t wearing a tee with a car theme. Harley was the one that worried him though. Harley was stocky with a barrel chest and massive arms the size of tree trunks. In a fight, Gabe figured he could handle Dack and Ike. He wasn’t sure about Harley.

  “What about the traffic on the web site?” Ken turned to Gabe. “Are we pulling them in? That’s the important part. We should be seeing a lot of bets placed this weekend.”

  Gabe was saved from answering when a spark flew out of the fire directly toward the three men standing on the other side. Everyone laughed as Harley danced to avoid the hot embers.

  “Looks like we got here just in time.” Delmar smiled at the others already assembled.

  “What do I smell?” Josie turned to Gabe. “Whatever it is, I like it.”

  Gabe crossed over to the grill. “I thought everyone might be hungry.” He flipped the lid up. It was all cooked. He was just keeping it warm.

  Ken joined Gabe at the grill. He kept his voice low. “What’s going on?”

  “I invited everyone over from the campground. Figured you could work them while everyone is enjoying themselves.” Gabe reached for the tongs.

  “Good plan.” Ken slapped him on the back before turning around. More members of the campground were walking toward them.

  Ken’s dimples flashed. “Good evening everyone. There’s beer and wine in the cooler if you need refills.”

  Phin held up the six pack in his hand. “I brought extras to add to the cooler.”