Liisa

by Sioux Dallas

  Customers were pleased and the children were excited. Arnold had placed dolls, toys, handheld games, puzzles, books and many small gifts that would please children under the tree. Any child who came into the store was invited to choose a gift for their own from under the tree. Large candy canes were hung on the tree as they were taken so that the tree always had candy on it.

  Liisa was touched when Arnold gave her a ruby and diamond necklace with matching earrings. She had purchased a first edition book at the auction and held it back to give to Arnold. He was ecstatic because his hobby was collecting first editions. She also gave him a check with a note saying that he was to go somewhere warm for a couple of weeks and have a vacation from the cold.

  “Liisa, you’re a sweetheart, but I don’t know when I can get away for a vacation, although it is so tempting.”

  “It’s just a matter of you making up your mind that you’re going, unless you don’t trust me with your store,” Liisa teased.

  “Trust you! Child I trust you with my life, but it isn’t easy to just pick up and leave your own place of business.”

  “Yeah. Yeah. Just do it.”

  “I’ll think about it and I do appreciate it.” He hugged her and went back into the office.

  As the days passed she put the caller out of her mind. Word had gotten out about the furniture and jewelry that Arnold had for sale and people were coming for many miles to look and buy. His reputation for quality work and honest dealings brought people back again and again as well as people from a distance.

  The Noritake China sold quickly to a newly married couple who wanted quality pieces to leave for any children they might have. Most of the jewelry and the smaller paintings went within the following two weeks.

  Liisa wanted one of the hand-painted lockets for Ellen but hated to ask Arnold to sell it to her. Knowing him he would drop the price considerably or even give it to her. During her lunch hour she went to the bank and cashed a check. Having the cash in hand, she placed three hundred dollars in the cash register and put the locket in her purse to be wrapped at home.

  For some reason she felt hesitant to walk home and felt that someone was watching her. Looking behind she couldn’t see anyone who appeared to be following her. She stopped in front of a department store pretending to look in the window. Instead, she used the window as a mirror and observed people around her. Across the street and a few feet behind her, a man seemed to be watching her. When she quickly turned around he turned and walked away. Okay ole paranoid Liisa, get home and take care of yourself. That man probably was just looking around and had nothing to do with you.

  She hurried on home, relieved to be inside safely and angry at herself for feeling insecure. No one was going to get past the doorman and the guard at the desk.

  Arnold did agree to go to the Johnsons with Liisa for a New Year’s Eve dinner and celebration. He had given Mrs. Warton several days off to visit relatives. Everyone was careful to not mention Liisa’s amnesia or any other troublesome happenings.

  The week of the new year passed quickly, bitter cold with a few snow flurries off and on. On Saturday Liisa agreed to have dinner with the Johnson family. Thankfully none of them mentioned her lack of memory or her unexplained return trip to Norway.

  Sunday was cold but sunny. She drove to her church and enjoyed the service about faith and a Christian’s responsibility. Matthew 17:20 was a verse she had memorized as a child to be said in a program. “If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, remove hence to yonder place, and it shall move.” She prayed silently for the Johnson family, for Arnold, for Martha’s family and for whomever was calling her in error.

  As the days passed, Liisa began to have flashes of disturbing memories, nothing that made sense. Her fractured memories had no sense of time or sequence. They just left her full of worry and solving nothing. She thought of talking to Paul about them but decided to keep it to herself. What could she say with any intelligence?

  February rolled in with a huge snowstorm. It was impossible for traffic to move except inching along. Business suffered because people were not coming out unless they had a job to go to or emergency trips such as to the hospital. On Thursday it was so bad that Arnold called Liisa and told her not to come to work. He was not going to open until the streets could be cleared and the weather improved. She was pleased to have a few days to clean house and try to remember what might have happened that the caller was talking about. Did it happen in Norway? Oh, why couldn’t she remember anything. She was so upset that she dropped a favorite vase she was dusting and broke it. This brought tears of frustration. She then got ashamed of herself and decided to write some letters to friends.

  Liisa was eating lunch when Paul called and invited her to join him for lunch.

  “Paul, I would ordinarily love to join you, but I’ve just finished lunch. Why don’t you come by here and I’ll fix you a sandwich and a bowl of soup?”

  “Thank you, but I’ll reluctantly turn your invitation down today. If I come by there I’ll stay too long. I’m working on some briefs that are driving me up the wall and I just wanted a break with my favorite girl.”

  “Flattery will get you everywhere,” she laughed. “I don’t know where that would be because you would not want to spend time with me today. I’m discombobulated and not a pleasant person to be around. I guess, if the truth be told, I should talk something over with you, but not today.”

  “Okay, honey. I’m yours whenever you need me. Bye now.”

  Why in the world did I tell Paul that I needed to talk to him? Maybe God is guiding me to share with someone who cares about me and will try to help me understand whatever is going on.

  Liisa picked up her Bible, sat in a rocker and read John 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled. She read through chapters fourteen and fifteen. Then she read again the third chapter of John, especially 3:16. She drew a deep breath and sat silently, then prayed for peace of mind, safety for herself and her loved ones, and for wisdom.

  On Sunday, as Liisa was dressing for church, her phone rang. She hurried to answer thinking it might be Paul offering to drive her. The hissing, harsh voice spoke with assurance. “Good girl. You haven’t talked to anyone yet. You, your family and friends are safe for today. Just remember, I’ll know.” He hung up before she could answer.

  Heart throbbing erratically and too upset to go to church, she called Paul hoping to catch him before he left to sing in the choir. She gave a small cry of relief when he answered.

  “Paul, please come over now. I need you,” she sobbed.

  “Sweetheart, what’s wrong?”

  “I’ll tell you when you get here.”

  “I’m on my way.”

  Paul lived only a mile away, but Liisa couldn’t believe how quickly he was at her door.

  “Are you sick? Are you hurt?” Paul was alarmed.

  She could only sob in his arms until she composed herself. “Please sit on the couch with me so that I can tell you everything.” She sat silently, with her head hanging, so long that Paul was disturbed. He remained quiet knowing she would tell him as soon as she could.

  I don’t know where to start because I don’t really know where the beginning is. This memory loss is, or rather was, embarrassing. Now it’s frightening, and I have to tell you, I’m scared,” she sobbed. “It might sound simplistic to you, but -”

  “Sweetheart,” he soothed her with a hug. “Just tell me any way that you want to.”

  She laboriously told him, between hiccupping sobs, about the calls and the threats. I don’t know what he’s talking about, and I’ve been afraid to tell anyone about the calls for fear I’d just be laughed at.”

  “Who’s going to laugh at you? Certainly not anyone in my family.” He got up to walk up and down the living room. “Let’s take the calls one at a time. When did the first one come in and what did he say?”

  After about a half hour of talking and reasoning, Paul said, “I know you can’t remember
, but maybe something will jog your memory as we talk. What do you remember about your first trip to Norway?”

  I went to visit some people I know in Drammen, and to say hello to a few people in businesses along Johanagate Street. I don’t remember doing any painting so when did I paint all those pictures, and who is the man in the portrait?”

  “Apparently you did the painting on your unexplained second trip. But why did you go back and whom did you see? Do the calls refer to your visit to Norway or during your traveling back and forth?”

  “I don’t know,” she answered dejectedly. “I’m sorry. I just don’t know.”

  “That’s all right sweetheart. We’ll think of something. There’s bound to be answers somewhere. I won’t stop until I do find the answers even if I have to make a trip to Norway on my own. And you know dad and the rest of the family are behind you all the way.

  “I know. I’m so sorry that I’ve brought this on all of you.”

  “Hush your mouth. You’re one of us and we stand beside our own. Now do me a favor. Take a couple of aspirin and lie down. I’ll bring you a hot mug of tea.”

  Liisa shuffled into her bedroom, pulled the cover back and stretched out on the bottom sheet fully dressed. Paul brought her a mug of tea and two aspirin. He pulled the blinds closed and left quietly. While Liisa slept Paul called his dad and Cory Patterson, another attorney that he trusted.

  The men met at Liisa’s apartment. Paul pulled her bedroom door closed and motioned for the men to join him at the dinette table in the kitchen. He told them all that Liisa had divulged. They brainstormed and finally agreed that a tracer should be placed on her phone.

  Ben and Cory were gone when Liisa woke. She apologized for being, as she called herself, a wimp. Paul prepared a bowl of soup for her and waited until she had consumed it before he told her of calling the two men.

  “Oh, Paul, why did you do that? The more know about this, the more dangerous it could be.”

  “Well, dad already knew and Cory was a New York City detective before he completed studies for his law degree. I know he can be trusted. He’ll take care of a tracer being put on your phone before the day is out.”

  “Won’t the caller know there’s a tracer on my phone? It might make him really do something dangerous as he’s threatened.”

  “No. There’s no way he can know. Just act as you’ve always done and he won’t be suspicious. Be very careful when you’re away from home and please do tell me anything that happens or anything you might remember.”

  “I promise. Paul, how did I get so fortunate to have you for a brother and such a wonderful family after my parents died?”

  “Brother? Oh, sure sure. I’m going now. Lock your door the second I step out of this room and let me know the minute that he calls.” He hugged her and looked at her so long that she got a little nervous.

  “Is something wrong, Paul?”

  “I hate to leave you.”

  “Aw go on with you. I’m very secure here and I’ll let you know if he calls again.” She hugged him and kissed his cheek. He reluctantly left and motioned for her to lock the door. After she locked it, she heard him give a tap on the door as he left.

  Sighing deeply she sat on the couch with her knees drawn up and a pillow hugged to her chest. After a few minutes of thinking she shook herself and jumped up. “That’s enough of that. I feel more relieved now that Paul and his friend know. Uncle Ben was so upset at me for not telling him. I’m sorry but I thought I’d worried them enough without this.”

  She grinned at herself for talking aloud and moved purposefully to her computer to check her email and to make notes on her daily journal. Too bad I didn’t take notes of my crazy, unplanned second trip.

  Chapter Five

  “Aasegg Rygh! That’s a Norwegian name. Who is that? How do I know this person? Why is he in my notes? Good grief.” She pushed back in her chair and hung both arms down by her side. “It doesn’t mean a thing to me. The next time Paul is here I’ll try to remember to show him. Remember?! Big laugh”

  Liisa finished her work on the computer and went into the kitchen to fix something to eat. The phone rang and she jumped, giving a startled sound.

  “Hello,” she said hesitantly.

  “Liisa, darling is something wrong?”

  “Oh, Paul. What a relief. It’s you. I was half afraid to answer.”

  “I can understand. Cory already has the ball rolling to get a tracer on your phone. If anyone comes to your door, make sure that you check identification carefully. Make sure they’re from the phone company. Write their name and all pertinent information on their ID card. I want to see it. If I can, I’ll try to be there. Let me know the second you hear from them. Do you need anything?”

  “No, Paul, thank you, but I’m fine. I’m going to watch television or read a book and get ready for bed. In fact, I’ve just eaten, so I’m going to take a hot shower and prepare for the night. I have to be at work early tomorrow.”

  “Okay. Call me if you think of anything or if you wake and feel frightened.”

  “Paul! I’m twenty-six, not six.”

  “I’m well aware of how old you are. Any of us might need someone to talk to at some time. It isn’t a sign of weakness.”

  “I’m sorry, Paul. I hate it that I’m causing worry and confusion in the family. I don’t dare tell Arnold. He’s too old and too sweet to me.”

  “I know, darling. Have a good night’s rest. Let me know when you get to work tomorrow morning.”

  “All right, I will. Goodnight and thank you again, Paul.”

  She hung up smiling and then it hit her. Sweetheart! Darling! He’s never called me that before. She shook her head and went to her bedroom. Undressing, she selected a station to watch and went into the shower.

  As she came out of the shower, the phone rang. She shrugged and picked up the phone, smiling and thinking Paul had forgotten something.

  “I hope you were not crazy and told your men friends about these calls.”

  “What?”

  “You heard me. I told you I know all, see all and hear all. Well, maybe not hear all or I’d know what you talked about this afternoon.”

  “Where are you? How do you know everything I do?”

  “Calm down, chickadee. I don’t have hidden cameras or listening devices in your apartment - yet.” He laughed until he chocked.

  “How dare you. You are a coward, and a bully, and -” she sputtered.

  “It’s good to know you think so well of me. Just don’t forget me and do something foolish. You’ll regret it.” He hung up before she could say anything else.

  Liisa was so shaken that she couldn’t think or act for a minute. She gripped the phone so hard that it hurt her hand as she touched the numbers for Paul’s phone. She knew he probably had already gone to sleep from the tone of his voice.

  “Paul, he just called again.”

  “Take a deep breath, calm down and then tell me all he said.”

  She told him word for word what was said. I hope and pray he doesn’t find that a tracer is on my phone.”

  “He won’t unless he’s connected with the phone company. Do me a favor. Go to your computer and start a record of his calls and all he’s said, including tonight’s call. Don’t put anything in that report about our talk and Cory and dad’s involvement. I don’t want to frighten you further but he might be able to get into your computer some how.”

  “Can he do that?” she asked excitedly.

  “Computer hackers can do miracles with computers. Don’t worry about it. He probably is just calling and trying to intimidate you.”

  “Well, he’s doing a good job. No! I’m not going to let him succeed at this. I’m going to be stronger than he is.”

  “That’s my girl. Now consider yourself hugged until I see you. Get in bed and relax. Superhero Paul is on the job.”

  Feeling more relaxed, she hung up and did as he suggested. She got into bed to watch Matlock and fell asleep before the progra
m was over. She woke about two in the morning, turned off the television and quickly went back to sleep.

  Monday morning she bounded out of bed feeling refreshed and at peace. Sharing with Paul and Uncle Ben helped more that I thought it would. Thank you, God, for giving me such a wonderful extended family. I don’t deserve them, but I’m sure thankful for them.

  While Liisa was cleaning the kitchen after breakfast, the doorbell rang. She walked quietly to the door, but didn’t hear anything. A knock on the door.

  “Who is it?”

  “My name is Ron Stafford. I’m with your telephone service and I need to get into your apartment to work on the lines.”

  “Can you slide your ID card under my door?”

  “Ma’am, I don’t blame you for being cautious. If you’d call your local service, they’d tell you that I’m legitimate. There’s not enough space to slide anything under your door.”

  “Okay. Please hold on just a minute.” Quickly making the call she found that Ron Stafford did work for them and had been sent to do the job. She let him in and apologized again for keeping him waiting.

  “That’s fine. I would want my sisters, or my mother, to be just as careful. I’ll work as quickly as I can and be out of here in a jiffy.”

  Liisa copied his name and description on her computer. She could hardly wait to call Paul and tell him the job was done. Paul was happy. “Remember, try to keep the caller on the line for two minutes so they can trace the call.”

  Liisa went happily to work feeling that a bad had been lifted off her shoulders. She and Arnold were both busy most of the morning. A man came and bought the sleigh bed as a surprise wedding anniversary gift for his wife. He made arrangements for it to be delivered in three days. He explained that his wife was a direct descendant of Robert Boiling and Jane Rolf Boiling who was the granddaughter of Amonute Matoaka, better known as Pocahontas. He said his wife collected antiques, especially handmade like this bed.