DarkHeart of Hampton House

by Joy Redmond

  A not-so sweet voice said, “Lance Jackson?”

  “Yes,” Lance answered. Then he held the phone as Iron Pants went into her spiel.

  He was offered the job, with the promise of a handsome salary and a company car. Orientation would begin the next day and it would last for two weeks, then he would have a two week break before he would be on the job.

  Lance thanked her kindly and promised he’d be in for orientation at 9 o’clock the next morning.

  He paced the floor, elated.

  The next two weeks will be busy. After that I’ll find and rent an apartment. Or maybe a house. Apartments are too noisy, neighbors are too close. It shouldn’t take more than a day or two. I’ve got enough money to rent something plush. Then what? What do I do for two weeks before I report for duty? I can’t wait to get my sample case full of goodies. But I did take plenty of pills from Penny. They should hold me.

  The next morning he began orientation, wondering if he would be able to stand the boredom for the next two weeks. He was glad when it was over. “That’s behind me. Now I need to find a decent place to live.”

  The next day, Lance drove around and saw a large sign to the entrance of Bald Eagle subdivision. He drove up the hill and noticed a For Rent sign in front of a beautiful home. He pulled into the drive and studied the outside. The yard was beautifully landscaped and the grass looked like a green carpet.

  He got out of the car and walked around to the backyard where he saw a rose garden and other flowers that he had no idea what they were.

  He walked over and touched a rose, then bent and inhaled the soothing aroma. Just as he straightened up, the smell of roses still lingering in his nose, he heard a voice. “May I help you?”

  A man who looked to be Lance’s age was walking toward him. “I saw a for rent sign out front. I’m looking for a place and this house kinda strikes my fancy. Do you know the owner?”

  “That would be me. My name is Joey and I live next door,” he said, extending his hand.

  “I’m Lance. Nice to meet you. Would you mind showing me the inside?”

  “I’d be happy to.” Joey reached into his pocket and pulled out a set of keys. “Follow me.” Joey unlocked the back door, stood aside and Lance entered. “I’ll give you the grand tour.”

  Lance stepped inside a spacious kitchen. It looked as if somebody was ready to prepare a meal. Spice racks, canister set and a coffee pot was on the counter, left of the stove. Salt and pepper shakers were in the middle of the stove. An oak table with four chairs was in the middle of the floor and a center piece of artificial flowers was in the center of the table.

  “Does somebody still live here?”

  “No, I just moved out. I left it furnished. I bought the house next door and I wanted new things. I’ve had everything in this house for a few years. Everything is still in good shape but I was ready for a change. If you’re interested in renting it, I can have it all moved out, or I can leave it. C’mon, I’ll show you the rest.”

  The house had three bedrooms, two full bathrooms, a large living room and a utility room was next to the entrance of the garage. Every room was furnished and decorated. “Are you going to leave the bedspreads, curtains and pictures?”

  “Yep, everything stays, unless you don’t want any of it. I’m tired of looking at it. It reminds me too much of the person I shared it with. He left me for another man and I don’t need any reminders of him. I’m still working through the heartache.” Joey hung his head as if he were trying not to cry. “Sorry, man, I didn’t mean to get into my personal life.”

  Lance slapped him on the back. “It’s okay, man. I’ve got big shoulders. You remind me so much of my old friend, Jimmy. I lost him too.” Lance held up his hand. “Don’t get the wrong impression. We were just friends. Not lovers. I prefer women. I have days though when I miss Jimmy so badly, I feel like crying too.”

  Joey wiped his eyes. “If you decide you want to rent it, I’m sure we’ll make great neighbors, and friends too.”

  “I do believe we will. I want it and with everything in it. It sure will save me the trouble and time of getting it fixed up, which I’d have no idea how to do. You name your price.”

  “I tell ya what. You just pay the rent and all the furnishings are free. Having a good neighbor and friend is payment enough for the furnishings.”

  “You’ve got a deal. How much down and how much per month?”

  Joey quoted a price

  “Good enough. Is it okay if I pay in cash?”

  “I’ve got nothing against cash. Come on over to my house and sign the lease agreement. I’ll fix us a drink and we’ll get to know each other.”

  Lance felt something in his heart he hadn’t felt since the last time he’d seen Jimmy. He was glad Joey wanted to have a drink with him. He almost snickered as he remembered how Jimmy wouldn’t touch hard liquor or cuss because he thought it would offend Jesus. Ah, Jimmy. How I miss you, you silly bastard. I hope you’re happy. Joey won’t replace you, but damn if he doesn’t make a good substitute. You’d like him, too.

  The first few nights that Lance spent in his new home, he was more restless than he had been since he had left Penny. He had a little more than a week before he started his job. Joey would be good company in the late evenings, just as he had been for the past four evenings, but he knew he’d go crazy during the day with nothing to do. Joey was a veterinarian and he put in a lot of hours. He had enjoyed the time he’d already spent with Joey, but he needed a woman.

  He paced the floor. “Damn, I miss Penny. Damn, I hate myself for missing her!”

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  The next morning, Lance went out to get on his Harley and it wouldn’t crank. “What the hell? Come on, don’t fail me now. I’ve gotta get on the road before I go completely crazy or crazier than I already am.”

  Joey walked outside. “Hey, Lance. Who are you yelling at?”

  “My bike won’t start. Do you know of a good place where I can get it checked out?”

  “I sure do. Come on in. I’ll call the shop and they’ll come pick it up. When it’s fixed they’ll give you a call and I’ll take you back to get it.”

  Lance followed Joey into the house, where he was offered a cup of coffee. Lance sipped the brew while Joey made the call.

  “They’re on the way,” Joey said. “They’re usually pretty fast. In the meantime, if you need transportation, I know a good place to rent a car.”

  Lance set his coffee cup on the kitchen counter. “Good coffee. I could take some lessons on how to make it. And yes, I need to rent something. I need a little time on the road.”

  “Come on. I’ll drop you off before I go make a farm call. I’ve got a cow in distress, trying to deliver a calf.”

  Joey dropped Lance off and was on his way.

  Lance looked at all the rentals. He saw a Buick LeSabre, and smiled. “This will be fine,” he said. He filled out the paperwork, glad he had kept his driver’s license updated every time he had changed his residence in three states. I almost let them lapse when I got my Harley. Good thing I didn’t.

  He drove out of the parking lot, pulled down the sun visor, then headed off with no specific destination in mind. What did it matter?

  When it got dark, Lance found a motel and decided to rest a few hours. When he had daylight, he’d move on. He managed to sleep with the help of his ludes.

  He headed out the next morning and a few hours later, he found himself in a small town in the Ozark Mountains of Eureka Springs, Arkansas. The town had narrow streets that were barely wide enough for two cars to pass. The streets were lined with old oak trees that shaded the houses on either side.

  “Nice,” Lance said. “It’s as good a place as any to spend a few days.” He found a parking space and decided to get out and walk around. He soon discovered it was a good place to just stroll from shop to shop. It was a magical sort of town, with little parks with benches scattered about, seemingly around every bend of the street. He was like
a child as he watched water trickling in fountains or just from the side of the mountain itself, a quiet, peaceful sound in a quiet peaceful little town.

  Lance had never felt such contentment. He soon found a very old hotel that sat on one of the highest hills in town. He walked inside, stood in the lobby and looked around. He admired the dark polished woods and gleaming brass and old fashioned chandeliers, with large ceiling fans slowly stirring the air, making the leaves of the potted plants sway and gently bend.

  I do believe I’ve found my nest for the time being. He registered for a room, tucked the key into his pocket, then looked for the elevator. He was astounded as he found an old elevator of glass and iron. He stepped into the elevator and almost laughed when he saw the operator. They still have elevator operators?

  The operator closed the doors with a metallic clang, pushed over a brass handle, and the elevator started upward with a slight lurch, then whirled and creaked as it traveled up. He wondered about the uncounted millions of times it had made its short journey with guests and bags, housekeepers with brooms and sheets, and waiters with silver trays, delivering meals to the guests who were too lazy to go down to the restaurant.

  “Third floor,” the operator announced as she opened the door and said, “Watch your step.”

  Lance stepped out and heard the door clang shut behind him. As he walked down the old hallway, looking for his room, he felt as if he had traveled back in time to the nineteenth century.

  He found his room, unlocked it and stepped inside. The room had high ceilings with old styled wallpaper decorating the walls. He walked over to a wide comfortable-looking bed with a brass headboard. It seemed to be inviting him to kick off his shoes and lay back on the pillows just to watch the ceiling fan slowly hypnotize him to sleep.

  “Nice indeed. I’ll be back later to enjoy you. But for now I’m going back out on the streets to explore this quaint town.” He closed and locked the door, excited about taking another ride in the elevator.

  Once outside he looked around and started walking, remembering when he had done the same thing in California. That day had been very thrilling indeed. He wondered who he’d find in Arkansas. He walked a few blocks and he was amazed at the many benches along the way. People were sitting, talking, eating, and some were reading newspapers.

  The next day, he was walking, enjoying the sights, when he spied a young girl sitting on a bench, alone. She had long red hair, pale skin and he could see a sprinkle of freckles across her nose. She had on a white-and-yellow checkered sundress that looked as if she had taken it from a ragbag. She was wearing sandals, but the straps were broken.

  The young girl was staring into space as if she were oblivious to the beauty that surrounded her. She was a tiny mite and didn’t look to be older than sixteen. He noticed a suitcase on the ground beside her. She was twisting her hands, as if she was either scared or deeply worried. A runaway. I know one when I see one. There was something compelling about her. Something he didn’t understand. Why did he feel drawn to her?

  He watched her for a few minutes, wanting to go talk with her, wondering what he’d say. He slowly walked over to the bench and sat down, trying to be nonchalant, trying to seem like someone who needed a rest. He waited for her to acknowledge him, but she merely stared into space, tapping her left hand on a shoulder strap purse as if she were keeping time to music. Was somebody tailing her? If so, did they mean to do harm to her? If so, they’d have to deal with him first. She would be his before the evening was over.

  “Nice day,” Lance said.

  “If you say so,” she replied, never looking his way.

  “I’m new in town. Do you live here?” he asked.

  “What’s it to you?” she answered, still staring ahead.

  Lance chuckled. “It’s nothing to me. I was just trying to make conversation.”

  “Conversation made. Now piss off!”

  “Are you having a bad day, or are you always this sweet?”

  She cast him a sideways glance.

  He lifted his shades, gazed into her blue-green eyes and gave her one of his charming smiles.

  “I’m never sweet. Just so you know,” she answered.

  “You sure are pretty to be so damn hateful.”

  “You sure are ugly to be so damn straight forward.”

  Lance laughed and held his sides.

  She started laughing too. “I’m sorry, Mr. whoever you are. I’ve got a lot going on in my head. I’m not sure which way to turn. I don’t guess I need to take it out on you.” She extended her hand. “I’m Lacy. And you are?”

  He took her hand but instead of shaking it, he merely held it tenderly. “I’m Lance. Nice to meet you, Lacy.”

  Lacy pulled her hand away. “Nice to meet you. And yes, I guess it is a nice day, if you mean weather wise. Truth is, I haven’t had a nice day in my whole life. I’m just trying to figure out how to change it. So far, nothing is coming to me.” Lacy sighed deeply.

  Using a firm, yet kind tone, Lance said, “Look, Lacy. I know a runaway when I see one. I was one myself not that long ago. I had one suitcase containing all I owned, which wasn’t much. I didn’t know which way to turn and I damn sure had nobody to turn to. So, let me help you. I wish I’d had somebody to help me.”

  “I’m not a runaway and I don’t need any help. Besides, how do I know you’re not a serial killer? I don’t take up with strangers.”

  Lance laughed hard. “You never can tell, Lacy. I just might be a serial killer.” He leaned in close and whispered, “But I’ve only killed one person.”

  Lacy started laughing and punched him on the arm. “Then you don’t qualify. You have to kill at least three. I’ve yet to make my first kill, so be careful. You could be the one.”

  They both laughed.

  I think I’ve broken the ice. Now to move in for the kill, he thought. This one won’t be easy to woo.

  “It’s getting late. I’m getting a little hungry. How about you? Would you like to have a nice dinner with me?

  “I am kinda hungry. Seeing as I haven’t eaten in two days. But you don’t—”

  Lance placed his index finger on her lips. “Say no more. I don’t like eating alone and I’d be happy if you’d accompany me to dinner. I’m staying at a nice hotel and though I haven’t eaten there, I’m thinking they’ll have pretty good food. How about we give it a try?”

  “I’m not dressed good enough to eat somewhere fancy. Why don’t we just grab a hamburger and fries?’

  “Hey, my money spends just as good as a fancy dressed person’s. Look at me. I’m in cutoffs and sandals. We’re in Arkansas, not New York. I bet they won’t turn us out. Now, come on. We’ll have us a juicy steak with all the trimmings and a bottle of wine. If that doesn’t get you in a good mood, I don’t know what would.”

  Lance bent, picked up her suitcase and gently took her hand, pulling her up from the bench before she could protest. She didn’t try to pull away, and Lance felt her grip his hand as if she were scared he might let go. As they walked toward the hotel, Lacy looked around her and broadly smiled.

  That’s the sweetest smile I’ve ever seen. She has the softest hand I’ve ever held. She’ll soon be putty in my hands. Poor little lost girl. A song whirled in his head. She once was lost, but now she’s found.

  Lance led her inside the hotel and took off his shades.

  She looked around as if she were drinking in the splendor. Suddenly, she pulled her hand from his and headed for the door.

  Lance quickly grabbed her arm. “What’s wrong? I thought you were hungry.”

  “I don’t belong in a fancy place like this. I’m not comfortable.”

  He tilted her face up to meet his eyes. “I’ll make sure you’re comfortable. Trust me. A lady like you deserves a fancy place. You just calm down and follow my lead. The next thing you know, you’ll feel like you belong. And you do belong. I once had the same feeling. You know what? It didn’t take me long to get used to the finer things in life. N
ow take a deep breath and hold on to me. This is gonna be a great evening. Promise.”

  “Fine. I’ll try it once.”

  “Atta girl. Now let’s take your suitcase up to my room. We might look a little strange if we walk into the restaurant carrying it. After we eat, we can go back and get it before you leave for the night.”

  “Okay,” she said. “I just got into town and I haven’t had time to find—”

  Lance smiled. “We’ll find you a place. No problem.”

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  Lance carried the suitcase and Lacy followed as if she were a lost child. They took the elevator to the third floor and he could tell that she was dumbstruck.

  Lance unlocked his door, stood aside, and Lacy walked into the room. “Holy shit! Man, this is beautiful. I love that wallpaper. I have vague memories of my grandma and grandpa’s house, but I remember it had wallpaper like that and I thought it was so pretty. This is like walking back in time.”

  “Make yourself at home,” Lance said.

  Lacy pounced onto the middle of the bed, still acting as if she were a child on vacation in a wonderland. “Damn, this bed is comfortable. I’m used to sleeping on a fuckin’ couch with a sunk-in middle and I always fell into the hole.” She slapped her hand over her mouth. “Oops, I’m sorry. I’ve got a potty-mouth, but that’s all I’ve heard since the day I was born.”

  Lance laughed. He wasn’t expecting that word to come out of her pretty mouth, and the way she blushed after she had said it struck him as the cutest thing he’d ever seen. “It’s not like it’s the first time I’ve heard the word. I say it myself at times. Don’t give it a second thought.” He playfully pinched her cheek and winked.

  “I’m trying to break myself of the habit and start talking like a lady, but old habits are hard to break.” She looked up. “Sweet baby Jesus! A ceiling fan. Listen to that hum. Now that thing could sing a person to sleep, fast. Shit, man. I can’t believe this!” She glanced at Lance. “So, how I’m doing so far with my potty-mouth? This is gonna take longer than I thought.”