Liisa

by Sioux Dallas

  Well, she reminded herself, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

  Liisa felt that Arnold could double his money on the jewelry and the paintings. For his sake, she was sorry that there weren’t more items that the GALLERY could sell.

  When the bidding started on farm equipment, cars and animals, she decided to leave. As she was walking to her car, the man rushed up to her that had tried to talk. “I remember. You sat by me on the plane coming back from Europe and you asked me to stick dose to you because you felt uneasy as if someone was stalking you.”

  “I’m sorry, sir. You are mistaken.” With her cheeks burning and her heart thumping, Liisa hurried in her car. She backed up and left without looking at the man. Now why did I run from him? He might have given me a clue as to why I can’t remember my trip. Maybe I should go back and tell him I now remember and see if he can tell me anything else.

  She wrestled with her thoughts for a couple of miles and finally went on to her room. I’ll call Uncle Ben and tell him about this. But what can I tell him? That I was a coward and foolishly ran without trying to find out if the man knew anything? She worried her thoughts like a dog chewing a bone.

  She did call Paul to tell him of her finds and that she would come home on Saturday. Each time she thought she’d tell Paul of her morning and the stranger, she just couldn’t bring herself to talk about it.

  Later, in the restaurant, she gave the server her order and sat back to drink her Diet Coke and relax. Her heart gave a jump start when she saw the man sitting three tables away. He hadn’t seen her yet and she hoped he wouldn’t. Then she hoped he would and debated with herself as to whether she should go to him. He finished eating and got up to go to the cashier. He had to pass her as he left. He stopped and looked as if he were debating with himself as to whether he should speak to her or not. She smiled and nodded which encouraged him to stop at her table.

  “Forgive me, but I’m so sure you’re the lady who was seated beside me on the plane.”

  “Please, sit with me. I’m embarrassed to tell you, but I don’t remember anything about that trip. What did we talk about? What did I tell you? It’s so frightening to not be able to remember even making the trip.”

  He reached over and placed a gentle hand on her arm.

  “Don’t get yourself upset. I’m not a doctor, but I know that it can’t be good for you to be so disturbed. Why don’t you eat and we’ll visit. Then, with your permission, we go into the lounge and talk quietly.”

  Liisa didn’t tell him where she lived, but she did tell him she was at the auction on a business trip for the gallery where she worked. He told her he was a college professor in Albertus Magnus College in New Haven. He had been head of a Business Administration unit for six years. His trip to England had been to see relatives and to take a rest. He introduced himself as Roger Burleson.

  As they talked Liisa began to relax and tell him part of her story. She did tell him that her family told her she had been gone for a few weeks and she didn’t even remember making the trip. She told him of several paintings being shipped home with her that she didn’t remember painting.

  “Can you describe the man to me that you thought was stalking you? Maybe he had hurt you in some way and frightened you so badly that it caused you to block it all from your mind?”

  “No. I don’t even remember seeing you or telling you about anyone that caused me to feel fear. It’s embarrassing. It makes me sound out of my mind.”

  “Not to me. I’ve never met anyone with amnesia, but I can imagine how frightening and lost it makes you feel. I wish we had more conversation on the plane so that it might have helped you in some way.”

  They continued to talk until both Liisa and Roger were tired enough to go to their own rooms. Roger said he would like to keep in touch, but Liisa talked fast and walked off without telling him her last name or how to contact her. She did explain that she normally wouldn’t tell a stranger all she had told him, however, he was the first clue she had as to what happened to her during her trip.

  Friday morning dawned bright, clear, but cold. Liisa ate her breakfast hurriedly for fear she would see Roger. She didn’t know what to say to him. She left quickly to meet the movers at the chief’s house. They were there, as promised at nine.

  She was impressed with their care in wrapping and storing the items in the van. She then led them to the DiGrazia Estate to claim the paintings, the jewelry, and clothing. It was noon by the time the movers had completed their tasks.

  Liisa returned to the Holiday Inn for lunch and found brochures on attractions in Danbury. The Danbury Museum and Historical Society at 43 Main Street was nearby and certainly was a visit she would enjoy. She found that she would have to return another day to absorb all that was offered.

  While in the Museum, she found a pamphlet on Tarrywile Park and Mansion at 70 Southern Blvd. She found that it was close and she would love to see the old mansion and its furnishings. She knew the flower gardens and park interests would probably be closed this time of the year. Yes, she thoroughly enjoyed the history and the antiques.

  She hurried back to her room determined to get a restful night and leave early the next morning. Much to her delight she found that going back by Sandy Hook, she could stop at the McLaughlin Vineyards on Alberts Hill Road. This, too, had an interesting history. The tasting room and the sales room were all that she hoped for.

  It was close to eleven when she left the vineyards and stopped in Sandy Hook for a sandwich and a cup of hot chocolate. She called Arnold and then Paul to tell them she was on her way back.

  Fortunately the weather stayed clear, but cold, as she turned toward Waterbury. She had only gone a couple of miles when the snow began to lazily drift down. The nearer she got to her home, the heavier the snow began to fall. Breathing a sigh of thankful relief, she drove into the underground parking garage of her apartment building and went up to her warm and comfortable apartment.

  Gee, it makes me feel kind of empty to come home to a silent, empty apartment. But it wouldn’t be fair to a little animal to keep one here since I’m in and out irregularly.

  She called the Johnsons to tell them she was home. Aunt Ellen insisted she come for dinner but she made tactful excuses and stayed home. She called Arnold to tell him she was home. His housekeeper answered the phone and Liisa was happy to talk to her first and find how Arnold was.

  The housekeeper hesitated and softly said, “He never complains, but he’s staying in more now and sleeps a lot. I don’t think he feels good but he won’t go to a doctor. Stubborn man.”

  Liisa agreed with her and asked to speak to Arnold. “Hey, my darling girl! I’m relieved that you’re back safely and ahead of this blizzard that’s supposed to hit tonight. I did receive a call from the movers that they’ll deliver around eleven Monday morning unless the weather is too bad for travel. I can hardly wait to see your acquisitions.”

  “Oh, Arnold, I’m holding my breath that everything will meet with your approval. I have some clothing on the order, but I paid for that myself. I’ll pick it up Monday. How have you been?”

  “Great! Couldn’t be better. I’m getting lazy in my old age though.”

  “Good for you. All these years you’ve worked and helped so many people, it’s time you sat back and enjoyed life.”

  “Too much to do to sit back long. I’ll see you bright and early on Monday. Good night and sweet dreams.”

  Liisa placed the phone on the base with a heavy heart. Arnold will not admit that he’s worked enough years. But what would I do without him? He’s been my lifeline for most of my adult life.

  She gave a deep sigh and heated water for a mug of hot tea. She heated some frozen French toast and nibbled on it as she drank her tea and then took a shower. Dressing for bed she settled down to watch some musical programs and fell asleep with the television on.

  Chapter Four

  Stretching lazily and enjoying the warmth of her room, Liisa came awake slowly and yawned a
big loud yawn. How glad I am to be home safely in my own bed. I feel my trip was successful and I sure hope Arnold thinks so.

  She suddenly sat up. “Roger Burleson. I wish I could remember something about him and my trip. Apparently he was telling the truth because he knew too much about me. I wonder if there are other people out there that I met and don’t remember.” With nerves stretched as tight as fiddle strings she struggled to remember.

  Liisa picked up the phone to tell Paul about her encounter with Roger, and then decided to think about it more. What will Paul think of me? Will he still care and want to help me remember or will he think I’ve been involved in something I’m ashamed of? How can I know what is the best for me to do and how can I find the truth? Should I make another trip to Norway and see if I can find the truth? I wish I could talk this over with Arnold. He has always been so level-headed and protective of me, but his health is not good and I don’t want to disturb him.

  She didn’t feel like eating, but she did eat a slice of toast and drank a mug of hot peppermint tea. She then dressed for church and listlessly went out to start her day. The church service didn’t give her much comfort today. One reason was that she didn’t concentrate on the service but thought over and over about her memory problem.

  Back in her apartment she dressed in casual clothes and stretched out on the bed to read the Sunday paper. Ellen called to ask her to have lunch with them, but she made excuses. Ellen kept on and got Liisa to agree to come for dinner. The entire family would be present.

  Paul ran to meet Liisa at the door and hugged her so firmly and long that Liisa drew back to stare at him. Ronald and Gloria were there to hug her, so she didn’t have time to think about Paul’s motives. Uncle Ben pushed them all aside to pick her up and hug her with the love he had always shown. Aunt Ellen ran out of the kitchen for her hug and a request for a report of her trip to the auction.

  “She’ll tell us all about her trip and what she bought after dinner. Let’s all eat and get settled first,” Ben declared. He looked carefully at the expression in her eyes and her almost robotic movements. He worried about her but would not pressure her.

  As usual Ellen had cooked a delicious dinner. Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, peas, fruit salad and a scrumdunktious Red Velvet cake.

  Liisa helped Gloria and Ellen to clean up and then they joined the remainder of the family in the living room. “Okay, sweetheart, now tell us about your trip to the auction,” Ben urged her.

  She knew they would only be satisfied with a blow by blow account. She started with her check-in at the Holiday Inn, then her visit to the chief’s home followed by the auction. Each time she told what she bought, there were oohs and aahs and sound of approval. She then told of her side trips to sightsee. She felt guilty, but she didn’t tell them of meeting Roger.

  “Wow! What a great trip you had. I know Arnold is going to be so pleased with your purchases. I can hardly wait to see them,” Gloria exclaimed.

  “When can we see the clothes you found?” Ellen asked.

  “We’ll unpack everything either Monday afternoon or Tuesday morning. I’ll get my clothes then. Everything’s packed together.”

  There was a lot of conversation about trips various ones had made and sightseeing that was done. Ben and James looked at each other and James raised his eyebrows as Ben nodded. They realized there was more to her story. They knew she wasn’t telling everything but thought it might be because she was concerned about her loss of memory.

  Ellen recognized that Liisa was too tired to stay up much longer. “Liisa, why don’t you stay here for the night?”

  “No, thank you, Aunt Ellen. I love being with all of you but I need to go home and be ready for work tomorrow.”

  Paul scrambled to his feet from the floor where he had been sitting. “I’ll follow her. It’s on my way home.”

  Liisa got more hugs and a sweet hug from Jerome. She left and smiled to herself all the way home. She felt loved and safe, but her thoughts would not stop swirling about her memory loss and what might have caused it.

  Paul parked at the curb and ran into the garage to meet Liisa. He rode up on the elevator with her and walked into her apartment. They talked a minute and he hugged her especially close. She looked puzzled as he tenderly kissed her and left. She was still puzzling his actions when her phone rang.

  “Hello.” Silence. Background noise sounded like traffic. No one said a word and, for some reason, it made her afraid. “Hello. Is anyone there?” Silence.

  She dropped the phone and backed off, eyes widening and heart racing. Is it a wrong number and no one wants to admit it or does it have something to do with my situation?

  Liisa finally picked up the phone and cut it off. Her first thought was to call Paul on his cell phone and get him to return. No, I would feel like a fool. I can’t keep expecting Paul, or any of the Johnsons, to run to my side every time I feel unsure. He would probably be delighted to come talk to me, but I can’t take the chance that he might just laugh at me.

  Sighing deeply she walked to her bedroom, selected her night clothes and went into the bathroom to brush her teeth and take a shower. Her thoughts flew so fast from one idea to another that it gave her a headache. She took two PM tablets and slid into bed.

  The phone ringing woke Liisa and she sat straight up in bed. Turning the lamp on beside her bed she saw it was three o’clock. “What in the world! Who could be calling this time of night?” Of course the first thing she thought of was that maybe something was wrong with Arnold and he needed her or one of the Johnsons needed her. She quickly picked up the phone. “Hello.” Silence. Sounds like rushing water but silence.

  The first time this happened she thought it might have been a wrong number, but now she felt it was a form of a threat. I can’t put it off any longer. I must talk to Uncle Ben and Paul. I’d love to talk to Arnold but I don’t want to upset him.

  Needless to say, she could not go back to sleep. Getting up at her regular time, she tried to eat but couldn’t swallow. She hated to admit it, but she was frightened. She dressed in black slacks, a red turtleneck sweater and fur-lined boots. Adding a coat, knit cap and gloves, she started out to walk the two blocks to work. She had comfortable shoes at work to change from the boots.

  The blizzard hadn’t materialized but a light snow covered everything making the town look washed and clean. She didn’t notice any of this. Her heart was so heavy and her stomach felt as if she’d swallowed a basketball. She hoped she could hide her feelings from Arnold. He would be excited with the arrival today of the moving people. She was pleased that Martha had been asked to work a few more days to help them unpack and price the items.

  Arnold was thrilled with the sleigh bed and immediately priced it at twenty-five hundred because it was an original handmade in excellent shape. Martha proceeded to help dust and polish the wood. The Noritake china had had excellent care and so many pieces that Arnold put a fifteen hundred dollar price on it.

  Each of the pieces were priced carefully, not charging too much but enough to have a profit. Liisa’s clothes were unpacked and admired. They may have been vintage clothing, but in excellent condition and would be ideal for parties or special occasions.

  Between pricing and looking over the purchases, and taking care of a few customers, the day passed faster than Liisa imagined. The second day finished the work.

  “Martha, I’m really glad I got to meet you. Arnold has said so many nice things about you. Come in and visit sometime, and bring your little boy. I’d love to see him.” Liisa hugged Martha and thanked her again. Arnold handed her a check which caused Martha’s eyes to widen.

  “Oh, Arnold. You’re a dear man and a good friend, but this is too much.”

  “Nonsense. I’m sure you can use it with your growing family. You came when I truly needed you and I’m grateful.”

  Martha hugged him and left with a big smile. Yes, her family could use the money, but she did enjoy working with Arnold and now she could count Liisa as a f
riend.

  Liisa sighed with relief when she finally headed for home. She wished Arnold had left when she did but knew he wanted to put the financial books in order. He was very meticulous with his bookkeeping. He had never been audited and wanted to keep honest books. She made a mental note to ask him to teach her how he was keeping books so that she could help him in the future.

  She gave a deep sigh of relief when she entered her warm apartment. Her outer clothes had been removed and her shoes kicked off when the phone rang. It’s probably Aunt Ellen wanting me to come to dinner, but I want to stay in tonight.

  “Hello”. Silence. “Look if you have a wrong number, have the decency to say so and hang up. I’m not interested in phone games.”

  A hissing, harsh voice spoke. “Just wanted to tell you to forget what you saw or you will regret it. I know who your family and friends are and can get to them at any time.”

  “Coward! Give me your name and tell me what you’re talking about. What did I see that I’m not supposed to talk about?”

  A click told her the mysterious caller had hung up. She tromped into her bedroom, angry at the caller and perplexed at the message. She had no idea what the caller was referring to.

  Throwing herself backward on her bed she went over each previous day for a couple of weeks and couldn’t think of anything that had alarmed her or caused her to wonder about it. I do believe he has the wrong number. I sure feel sorry for whomever he’s talking about and hope he doesn’t carry out his threats on me or people I know and love.

  Arnold insisted that they decorate for Christmas. He was like a kid when it came to holidays, especially this one. He and Liisa cleared items out of the window and he purchased a wonderful smelling tree that almost filled the window. They had a lot of fun decorating and singing carols together.