“A picture of it?” Henry frowned in confusion. “Who has a picture?” He asked in his take-no-nonsense voice.
“Herman, the plumber,” Elle said, not backing down. “I know you don’t want to hear this, but he was telling the truth, Dad. He was abducted.”
“Now, why doesn't that surprise me?” He shook his head and sat behind his desk. “I've had tons of calls about sightings, but nobody has any proof. Especially not pictures. Where did he get pictures?”
“He painted them. He has several paintings of his experience. And we didn't tell him, but he has a picture of the same things we saw. Dad, you’ve got to believe me. And believe Herman, too.”
Deep in thought, he played with a pencil, twirling it between his fingers and pushed back his chair, getting her undivided attention. “I have to admit there are strange things happening around here.” He chewed the bottom of his lip. “I know Herman has had problems with his so-called experience, but do you really think he's telling the truth?” His gaze nearly had her squirming in her seat.
This must be how criminals feel when he questions them. “Yes. Nobody believes him except Sara and me.” Elle looked him straight in the eye, making her peace with the situation.
“And now, hopefully you.”
“This new information does put a different spin on things,” he said grimly. “But we have to remember these aren't actual photos. After all, he did paint them.” He ran a hand through his short hair and sighed. “However, if it’s the same thing you girls saw, I'll keep it in mind when I talk to him, tomorrow. There might be something else he can tell me.”
“Thanks.” A feeling of relief rushed through her. “Dad, he needs our help,” she said, seeing the truth shining in his eyes. He was trying to understand her.
“Now, baby girl, I’m sure he does, but you don't need to get mixed up in all this. I want you and Sara to stay away from Herman.” He stood and paced across the room to the window.
“He's harmless, but you don't want the whole town painting you girls with the same brush strokes as Herman.”
“If he needs help, I intend to give it to him,” Elle said, with determination ringing in her soul. “Herman and I are more alike than you realize.”
Henry flinched, shook his head and turned to Sara. “Talk some sense into her, Sara. You know what the people of this town have done to her in the past.”
“I'll try, Sheriff,” Sara said, and glanced at Elle. “But you know your daughter. She does what she has to in order to survive in this town.”
“I know her all right.” He sighed, giving Elle a look of love mingled with the frustration of fatherhood. “At least be careful.”
Her heart softened toward him. “I will. If I run into anything suspicious, I'll call you.” Elle looked down at her hands then back to meet his eyes. “Have you heard anything about . . . horses?”
“No. Why?” He stiffened, as if almost afraid to hear what she'd say next.
“Earlier today, I had a vision of some horses in trouble.” She pressed both hands over her eyes for a second easing her pounding headache. “Maybe, it was nothing.”
“I’m sure it means something.” He sighed. “It always does. I'll let you know if anything comes up.” He took a deep breath. “Thanks for telling me. That means a lot.”
“Sure, anytime I think it's important, I'll let you know.” She squared her shoulders, knowing how he felt about her psychic abilities. They hadn't exactly seen eye to eye on that sort of thing.
His intercom buzzed and Sherry’s voice crackled into the room. “Sheriff, there's an urgent call for you on line one.”
“Thanks, Sherry, I'll take it.” He looked tired, but he nodded toward Elle. “You girls go on home. There's nothing going on around here except a bunch of scared locals.” He picked up the phone getting ready to take the call. “I wish I could tell you more, but you know as much as I do . . . maybe more.”
“Okay, Dad.” She kissed his cheek with much love in her heart for him and went out the door with Sara.
“Do you think he believed us?” Elle asked, getting in the car.
“Oh, yes. You saw his face. He believed us, but it’s real obvious he's worried about you. We're going to have to play this low key.”
“That's the plan, you know, but what if an alien shows up? Then what do I do?” Elle sighed in exasperation. “Do I call Dad for the cavalry? Or do I handle it? And how? Hit the nice alien over the head or use my womanly charms and tell him he has nice eyes and buy him a latte?”
* * *
Two nights later, Elle sat in the living room of Yesterday's Rose sipping coffee with her father, Rose and Kole. “Thanks for having me over, the dinner was delicious,” she said to Rose, still miffed that her dad had pressured her into coming along and didn't bother to let her know that Kole was a part of the evening.
The back of her neck prickled. She couldn’t help herself she wanted to gaze and stare at Kole with his chocolate hair and sky blue eyes and burnished cinnamon skin. He had been friendly, but after the episode in the salon, she had decided to keep her distance and impressions to herself.
“Oh honey, you're welcome. I love having you and your Dad come for dinner,” Rose said.
“You know that.”
“So Kole, what's Denver like these days?” Henry asked.
“A lot different from here. Much more hectic.”
Elle sat back against the cushions and let the conversation flow around her. At least after coffee, I can excuse myself with a headache and go home.
Kole stirred his coffee and smiled at Elle. “What's all the noise about aliens in these parts? That's all the folks here at the B and B want to talk about.”
Snared by his very, very blue eyes, fixed with that intensity she almost missed what he had said. What is that about? Did Rose say something about my childhood to him? It isn’t any of his business. She gathered her thoughts before answering. “Talk is all over town, but I don't know much about it,” she answered and glared at him, but he didn't seem to mind.
“I have to tell you, I could use some help in that area,” Henry spoke up. “Between you and me, there are some unusual things going on around Sweetwater. Several of our reliable citizens have seen what they think is an unidentified spacecraft in the night sky.”
“Could it be some kind of aircraft from one of the military bases?” Kole spoke to her father, but maintained eye contact with Elle.
Henry nodded. “That's what I thought at first. I checked with the bases in the area and they didn't have anything in the air the night of the sightings.”
“Several of my friends in the sewing circle have seen these things,” Rose said and plucked at her sweater. “I know those ladies wouldn't fib about a thing like that. There's something out there.” She shivered.
“Interesting,” Kole said and sipped his coffee. “Wonder what it was?” He exchanged a subtle look of amusement with Elle.
She stared at his hands holding the coffee cup, those hands that could explore every inch of her skin that could uncover secrets she’d never known about her body. The man made her think the strangest things. She had never reacted to anyone the way she reacted to him and it made her angry. “Don't look at me like that.” She could feel color burning beneath her pale cheeks. “Shouldn’t you be somewhere taking pictures?”
He laughed.
Not amused, but still an odd tenderness toward the man’s sense of humor burst in Elle’s chest. The feeling was out of proportion to the moment and their acquaintance. For heaven’s sakes, what’s wrong with me? This man is driving me crazy.
“I'm stumped.” Henry's mouth twisted wryly and he shook his head. “Because I don’t have any other reasonable explanation, I’m about ready to believe it was a UFO.”
“I don’t think so,” Kole said, giving Elle one of his piercing stares. “There's got to be something else behind this.”
“Think what you want.” Elle wondered how Kole would react if he had seen something like she an
d Sara had experienced.
“Now, you're thinking like an investigative reporter.” Henry laughed. “Sure, you don't want a job here in Sweetwater? I know the paper could use an extra hand with pictures and the story for this situation.”
“No, thanks. I like to move around.” Kole clamped his jaw tight and stared into the fireplace. “However, this kind of thing does fascinate me.” He turned to Henry. “As a friend, I wouldn't mind looking into it.”
Elle bit her tongue. Apparently, Kole was big on the friendship thing with everybody. However, no matter what, she didn't want him involved in any way, shape or form.
“Elle, what do you think it is?” Kole asked with an interested twinkle in his eyes.
“I think it's something somebody doesn't want us to know about.” She glanced away from him. His look was so intense it sent a tremor through her. The man is something to look at. He'd be perfect if he'd just keep his mouth shut.
Kole cast an approving glance her way. “Now, that makes sense. What is someone trying to hide? There's got to be a logical explanation for these sightings.”
Elle cast her eyes downward, trying to ignore him. She could feel his sharp eyes boring into her.
Henry jumped back into the conversation. “You know . . . this thing does scare people and it keeps them away from the high plains at night.” For a moment, a look of wistfulness stole into his expression. “But the thing is there's nothing out there to hide. There's just the government High Mountain Array and they give daily tours.” He sighed and set his coffee cup on the end table. “The more I kick it around, the less sense it makes.”
“I wouldn't mind taking a look around the Array,” Kole said. “I've never seen it. Maybe, with fresh eyes, I can give you a new perspective on the situation.”
“That would be great. Maybe, new eyes are what it's going to take.” Henry sighed.
“Elle, Sara and I are going out there tomorrow,” Kole said.
Elle took a second glance at Kole. She had assumed after the conversation in the salon that the outing was canceled. Apparently, I should never assume anything about this man or I’ll be wrong.
Henry frowned at his daughter. “You didn't say anything about that.”
“With so much happening, it slipped my mind.” Damn, she no longer wanted to go anywhere with Kole, but she couldn't disappoint her dad. Elle tried not to look directly into Kole’s eyes. It was safer that way.
“I’m taking pictures for the magazine so we'll probably be staying there for most of the afternoon.” Kole made no attempt to hide the fact he was watching her.
Finally, she turned toward him. He knows I don't want to go with him.
“Yes, I’m sure it'll take most of the day.” Kole grinned at her as if he knew what she was thinking.
“Thanks. I'm relieved to know you'll be there with them.”
“Sure, not a problem.”
“We’ll be fine,” Elle said. What is Kole up to?
“You all be careful,” Rose said and patted Elle on the hand. “I don't know what I'd do if anything happened to any of you.” She glanced toward Henry with a worried look. “Are you sure this is safe?” she asked.
Henry shrugged. “So far, nothing has happened during the daytime. With Kole along, they should be all right.”
Elle had had enough. “For Pete's sake, it's the Array and Red Rock Canyon. Sara and I have been both places at least a thousand times.” She looked toward Kole. “We're all adults and we'll be fine . . . just fine.”
“Slow down, there, baby girl. Things have changed and there's a lot going on that we don't know about,” Henry said, showing no sign of relenting. “It's best to be on the safe side of caution at times like this.”
“Your father's right. We don't know what we're dealing with,” Kole said, and had the nerve to smile at her. Then he glanced toward Henry. “I'll keep them safe.”
“Thanks. I'm counting on you.” Henry was obviously pleased with himself.
Elle rolled her eyes and shook her head, glancing toward Rose. “There’s too much testosterone in the room for me. How about a slice of that carrot cake you made?”
“Oh my, I got so caught up in the conversation I forgot about dessert.” Rose hurried out of the room. “I'll get it.”
“Let me help you,” Elle said, realizing she had to get away from Kole before she said something she might regret. How did I let myself get talked into going on this adventure with him? The man is getting under my skin like an itchy rash on a hot summer's day.
“Honey, I know you're upset with your dad, but he means well,” Rose said.
“I’m not mad at him. After twenty-three years, I've finally won my independence from his over protectiveness and I'm not giving it back.”
“Oh, is it Kole? He's such a sweet soul. I didn't think you'd mind me inviting him to dinner. After all, he seemed lonely and he did rescue you and Sara when you were stranded.” Rose cut slices of carrot cake, putting them on china plates.
Damn. Rose sees right through me. “Yeah, he confuses me.” Elle wouldn't let Rose know how she really felt about Kole, which right now she didn't understand. “He needs to take pictures and I guess he does have to see the sights.” She tried to shake off her foul mood. “Don't worry, it's all right. I'm just irritable, today. It's no big deal,” Elle lied.
Rose continued fixing a tray with the cake slices. “Well, I think he’s a very nice young man.” Her brown eyes twinkled with mischief. “Let's take this out and change the subject from UFOs.”
“Yes, anything but aliens.” Elle hesitated, staring out the window above the sink. “You didn't say anything to Kole about my past . . . did you?” She needed to know if that was why he had brought up the subject. Was he making fun of her or was she being paranoid?
Rose put the tray down and touched her arm. “Honey, I'd never do that to you. That will always be your decision as when to tell someone.” She kissed Elle on the cheek and walked out of the kitchen with the dessert.
Elle stood there gazing out at the night sky and opened the mental box where she’d shoved her memories, blotting out the pain they caused. It was in the summer time and she remembered being taken from her family’s car where her parents had left her napping by a stunning, dark-haired woman with the prettiest blue eyes. She didn’t know who the woman was, but in her mind she was like her mom, so it was okay to go with her.
She had the distinct impression that the woman was attempting to save her, but she didn’t understand what she was saving her from. She just knew she was safe with this beautiful woman and needed to go with her. Standing together in Red Rock Canyon the woman gave her a soft, purple blanket and a stuffed white kitty and laid her in the middle of a huge red sandstone rock.
The woman had held out the palms of her hands toward the sky with a glowing blue marble in each and chanted something. Elle had seen the blue orbs come together above her and turn into one. The only thing Elle could remember was when the pretty woman turned toward her and said, “You’re special. Sleep now my child.” Then the blue light came back down and went inside the kitty. Elle felt safe and had immediately fallen asleep.
She had kept the stuffed animal all these years. It was sitting on her bookshelf at home. And when things got tough she would hold the kitty and somehow feel better. It was her only connection to her past. She sighed. No matter how hard she tried, that was all she could remember.
Even today, the townsfolk snickered behind her back, calling her an alien freak. Sometimes she thought they might be right. She stared through the window, consumed with emptiness deep inside. Looking out the window, she could feel the tug of the stars. Why did they call me Starseed? What do they want with me? Am I one of them, from somewhere out there?
Chapter Five
The next morning Elle walked into the gas station with Sara looking for Bruce. She needed to check on her car. “You wouldn't have believed Dad and Rose last night. They practically forced Kole down my throat.”
“You kno
w, I have a good feeling about Kole. Because of your abilities, we know we can trust him.” Sara grinned. “I can see why your dad and Rose did that. Kole's cute, and you haven't dated anyone for a while. They want you to get out and have some fun.”
“You always take Dad’s side.” Elle swallowed her animosity, not wanting to argue with Sara.
“I don't. He's being logical, like me.” Sara held the door open for Elle.
“Ha, you, logical. That'll be the day.” They were both laughing when they entered the station.
“Hey, Bruce, are you here?” Elle called out to the empty room.
“Out here. In the garage. Come on back,” Bruce shouted.
Two legs stuck out from under an older automobile. Elle leaned over and peered under the car. “I thought I'd better check and see when you'll have my car ready.”
“Hang on a minute. I'll have to look at the books to see when that last part is getting in.” He grunted. “Just have to tighten down a couple of bolts.”
“Okay, it’s not a big deal, we'll be out front,” Elle said. “Take your time.”
“Make yourself comfortable, I’ll be right there,” Bruce shouted from under the car as they walked to the waiting area.
“Excuse me, do you work here?” A short guy wearing wire rimmed glasses stood at the counter when they went into the reception area. “I'm here to pick up my oil.”
“No, I don't, but the owner will be right out.” Elle smiled at the stranger.
Bruce came out of the back, wiping his greasy hands on an old red towel. “Hi, there, Bill, sorry, I didn't hear you come in. I was tightening up a brake line.” He tossed the towel into a bin as he came through the open doorway. “Your oil is boxed up out front on those flats and here in the reception area if you want to have your men load it up. I’ll be there to help soon as I take care of Elle.”
“Sure, I'll get Benny and the guys started with the flats,” he said and went outside motioning to two men in a large white cargo van.
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