Smiling, she sipped and handed it back. Vicky had no idea how bruised her face was, her black eyes giving her a queer owlish expression. Jack tried not to grin, looking at her odd appearance, and certainly even he knew better than to mention it.
Vicky giggled. “I feel fine.” She giggled again. “I feel really great! It’s so nice of you all to come see me.”
Doc winked at them and whispered. “It’s what I gave her for the pain. I believe it’s beginning to take effect.”
“Jack. Yesterday was wonderful, wonderful... It was yesterday, right?”
“Yes, it was yesterday.” He looked over at the others nervously. “We’ll talk later.”
“Jack, I don’t mind anymore that you been watching me undress through my window. I’m sorry I got angry.” She giggled. “I don’t mind you seeing me naked. Do you think I’m pretty? Am I talking too much?” She giggled again.
Jack slipped his hand into hers, smiling tenderly. “You’re beautiful. Right now though, just rest. Try to sleep some more. Maybe you shouldn’t try to talk anymore.” He looked over his shoulder and met Vince’s curious stare.
“What?” he said innocently.
Vince’s eyebrows lifted another half inch toward the ceiling. “Tell me I didn’t just hear her say you’re a Peeping Tom?”
Chapter 16
The next day Jack went to town early, and returned to the farm with several cans of paint and a load of lumber. He immediately set to work shoring up the roadside produce stand. With broom and leaf blower, he dislodged years of accumulated dust and cobwebs. After the little building was once more standing upright and clean, he moved in with paint and brushes.
When Doc drove up that afternoon with a bruised and sore Victoria in the passenger seat of his car, Jack was just finishing the lettering over the stand. She could see his smiling face was spattered with paint as he looked down from his perch atop a step ladder. The stand was white, with bright green trim and lettering across the top that read:
“WILLET’S FRESH FRUIT AND VEGETABLES.”
“How does it look?” he called out, gesturing at the stand with his paintbrush, obviously pleased with the results of his days work.
Vicky replied, “It’s wonderful. You did all that just today? When will you actually have something to sell?”
He beamed back at her. “Maybe a month or so. Always depends on the weather. How are you feeling?”
“I’m okay. Still a little sore. Doc’s given me some pills for the pain.”
“Good. After I finish up here I’ll get cleaned up and be with you as soon as I can,” he said.
Waving to Jack, Doc drove farther in to help Vicky out of the car at the back door.
Pleased with his work, Jack began to gather up brushes and paint cans, glad to have the job finished.
Later, Jack entered the farmhouse, much cleaner after a long hot shower. He found Doc waiting for him in the kitchen. “Where’s Victoria? Did she crash already?”
“I only released her from the hospital on condition that she goes straight up to her bed.” Doc lowered his voice, becoming serious. “I want you to keep a close eye on our friend over the next several days. When you jumped out at her naked a couple of weeks ago, and Vicky had that fall, it caused a concussion. That was serious enough, but nothing to worry about. A second incident so soon after, compounds the situation and she may exhibit symptoms of greater severity.”
He looked up in alarm. “What symptoms?”
“I want you to let me know if she has trouble thinking clearly or remembering things. Maybe she’ll find it difficult to concentrate, or even have dizzy spells.”
He looked at Doc defensively. “Hey! What do you mean I jumped out at her? For the last time, let’s get the facts straight on that. I was very innocently taking a shower and all of a sudden; there she was, staring at me. It wasn’t my fault.” He opened the refrigerator and extracted a beer. “Want one?”
Amused, Doc grinned at him. “No Thanks. I’m serious about this Jack. A blow to the head for a second time is nothing to joke about. I want you to check on her frequently. Could be she’ll have trouble sleeping, or perhaps may sleep more than usual. Concussion is a funny thing. She might seem unusually irritable or emotional.”
“Doc, how would I know if she was unusually irritable and emotional? That’s kind of like her normal state. Know what I mean?”
Doc gave him a stern look. “Don’t leave her alone for too long. I’d like you to sleep over here for a couple of nights. Check on her from time to time and let me know right away if you notice anything out of the ordinary.”
“Okay. I won’t make any more jokes. To tell you the truth; I kind of like our Victoria. Things have gotten very interesting around here since she showed up. What with that ass, Jonathan, threatening her and that crazy old guy showing up and scaring her, I feel like she needs my protection. Don’t you worry Doc; I’ll take care of her.”
Doc leaned back, smiling and nodding thoughtfully. He gave the younger man an appraising look.
“What’s on your mind, Doc? Something else I need to know about Victoria?”
“No no, Jack. Just remember to look in on her. I’m right down the road if you need anything. You’ll stay over here, at least for a couple of nights then?”
“Sure. No problem.”
“Remember to call me if you notice anything unusual.” The doctor sighed and got to his feet, yawned and stretched. “I thought I was retired. Getting a little old for this doctoring business, I guess.” He looked around the kitchen as though he were searching for something. “You know what’s entirely lacking here?”
Jack followed his gaze and then looked out the back door to the yard and beyond. “Haven’t a clue. What is it we don’t have?”
“What kind of farmhouse or barnyard doesn’t have some pets? You know, dogs or cats? That’s what you need here.”
“I suppose you’re right. Uncle Charley didn’t like dogs, cats, or little children. He didn’t like anyone or anything very much. That’s why we don’t have any. Hey, I wonder if Victoria would like a pet? Might be just the thing for her right now.”
“Jack, I believe I might be able to rectify this problem. Elvira’s cat had a litter of kittens a couple of months ago. There are five. I’m sure we could spare one or two. What do you think?”
Jack shrugged. “Sure Doc, why not. Who doesn’t like kittens?” He lowered his voice conspiratorially. “Let’s make it a surprise for her. How about you and Elvira come by tomorrow and bring a pair of kittens?”
“Yes yes, Elvira wanted to look in on Vicky in any case. No doubt, she’s made a coffee cake or something. Now, I’ve got to be going.”
He watched Doc drive off and stood looking out the kitchen window at the apple trees, which now were in full leaf. Anticipating a good harvest lifted his mood and he whistled as he headed back to his apartment to get a few things he’d need if he was going to sleep in the farmhouse.
Returning later with a small duffle bag, he mounted the stairs quietly, so he wouldn’t disturb Victoria. Doc seems to take this concussion stuff seriously. On impulse, he decided to sleep in the room where he and Victoria had recently made love. Slipping in, he deposited his bag and then looked into the girl’s room. She was propped up on her pillows and looked like she was sleeping peacefully. As he watched her silently, her eyes opened, she turned towards him and gave him a weak smile.
“How are you feeling? Do you need anything?” he asked softly.
Victoria shook her head. “Really I’m fine Jack. I don’t feel that bad. Guess I was more frightened than anything. Did Doc leave?”
“Yup, he just left. Says he wants me to keep a close eye on you for a few days, so I’m going to stay here. I’ll be close in case there’s anything you want. Did you take one of Doc’s pain pills?”
“Yes Jack, I can take care of myself and you don’t need to hover around whispering, afraid you’ll wake me or something. Really, I’m all right.”
“
Listen, I’ll be in the next room tonight, if you wake up and want anything. Doc insisted I stay over here for a few days.”
Victoria sighed. “It’s really not necessary Jack. You don’t need to. I’ll be fine.”
“Doctor’s orders. Sorry, you’re stuck with me. How about I scramble you up some eggs or something?”
“Yes, to tell you the truth, I’m starved. Eggs and maybe a piece of toast, please?”
“You’ve got it. Be back in a flash.”
Vicky could hear him banging around with pots and pans, the refrigerator door opening with its usual protesting squeal and then the sound of eggs being whisked in a bowl. This business of being pampered wasn’t bad after all. For a few days, it would be nice, but she didn’t want it going on too long. I can’t have Jack thinking he’s got to take care of me. I don’t want to get used to having him around. She lay back on the pillows and admitted to herself that she did feel a bit light headed and had trouble concentrating. Maybe reading a book would be relaxing.
In a few minutes, Jack came bounding up the stairs carrying a tray containing a plate of eggs and buttery toast. There was a glass of orange juice and a cup of steaming tea as well. He set all this on her bedside table looking pleased with himself.
“Jack, this is super. Thank you.”
“No trouble at all. Anything else? Your wish is my command.”
“There’s one thing. Could you find me something to read, anything really, something from your vast library over the garage?”
He scratched his head, wondering what she might enjoy. “Anything in particular? Can you give me a hint?”
“Surprise me,” responded Victoria, smiling.
Downstairs in the kitchen again, Jack cleaned up his mess. Then he started for the door intending to retrieve a book or two from his shelves. Glancing into her office, he remembered the bookcase on the far wall. She’s got plenty to read right here. He dragged the desk chair over from the kneehole and sat before the books. It was years since Jack had needed to look for anything in here. Victoria had organized and re-arranged everything.
He eyed the top shelf. “Nothing good here.” The next shelf was all romance novels. “Women love to read this idiotic stuff,” he muttered, his eyes skimming through the titles. A good portion of the next shelf was taken with books by one author. He pulled one out, wondering if she’d already read it. The title was, ‘Rendezvous Romance'. On its cover was a picture of a bearded frontier fur trapper in buckskins, reaching towards a startled Indian maiden. Her large breasts were barely contained by a tight fitting beaded doe skin dress.
“This looks new. She must have just bought it.” Jack laid it atop the bookcase. Returning to the same shelf, he plucked another book, only to discover that it was another copy of ‘Rendezvous Romance.’ There were a few more copies in addition to other books by the same author, Tori Baxter. “What’s she doing with all these?” He shrugged. “Women.”
Perusing the lower shelves filled with older hard cover books, he picked a volume of poetry, and then decided on a frayed hardcover copy of a Jules Verne novel. Stacking these three eclectic books, he muttered, “If she wants something different, I’ll just have to make another trip.
Once more back in her bedroom, Jack removed the tray and replaced it with the books. “I brought you three books. You’ve got a Jules Verne, a book of poetry, and a romance novel. You must really like that Tori Baxter. I see you’ve got several of her novels down there. Will that do?”
Victoria blinked and her heart stopped beating for an instant. Sitting on top was one of the new copies of Rendezvous Romance, her latest erotic novel. Oh my God! Jack’s going to figure it out soon, if he hasn’t already. He’s not stupid. Did he notice all the copies down in my office? How long will it take him to make the connection between Nanna’s name, Victoria Baxter, and my pen name Tori Baxter?
Calmly she said, “Thank you Jack, this is really nice of you. I’m sure I can look after myself from now on.” Why did he have to go snooping in the office? A chill crept into her voice as she said, “Really Jack, just leave me alone. You’ve done enough. I’m fine.”
“Don’t worry about it. I want to do this for you. Besides, if I don’t, Doc will kill me. He left specific instructions. Oh hey, want me to bring your laptop up here so you can work, or maybe you’re not up to that yet?”
She looked at him anxiously. “No Jack. Just leave me alone. Stop hovering around like I’m some kind of invalid.”
“Are you feeling okay?” He looked worried, as though he didn’t believe that she was telling him the truth.
“I’m fine. Thanks.” Attempting to change the subject she asked, “Why Willet, Jack?”
“What do you mean, why Willet?”
“On your vegetable stand. You painted, Willet’s Fresh Vegetables. Why not Conner’s?”
“Oh, yeah. Well I guess because everyone still thinks of this as the Willet Farm. Willet seemed like the logical way to go.”
Victoria nodded and yawned. “I think I’ll try and sleep now. Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine.”
* * *
Jack wondered if Victoria was fine. She’d seemed so pleasant and appreciative of everything he’d done for her. Then, when he’d brought the books, her mood changed noticeably. Is she developing some of those unusual concussion symptoms or is she just bitchy?
That night in the dark, a battered dirty pickup truck slowed and came to a stop before the little white roadside stand, now proudly proclaiming itself:
WILLET’S FRESH FRUIT AND VEGETABLES
Jonathan Van Winkle squinted up at this newly improved part of what he was coming to think of as his farm, and scowled. Maneuvering his bulk across the seat, he leaned out the passenger side window. In the half-light, he could just make out the new lettering in barely dry green paint.
“Willet my ass!” he growled aloud. So they think they can go on with business as usual. We’ll just see about that. I’ll show them they can’t make a fool out of me. See if I don’t get even with the both of them. Conner is a cocky son of a.... Jonathan spat on the ground, stomped on the accelerator, and drove off into the night.
Inside the farmhouse, Vicky slept peacefully while Jack read the poetry of Robert Frost in the next room listening with one ear to her soft snores. They were blissfully unaware of the menace on the road below.
Chapter 17
Jack was delighted to see Elvira Sweeney take what looked like a very substantial coffee cake from her bag. She smiled up at him from her considerably shorter five-foot-two. He leaned over her shoulder and asked, “Mrs. Sweeney is that by any chance one of your coffee cakes?”
“Jack Conner, you know darned well what it is. My mother’s recipe for cream cheese coffee cake with lots of crumb topping. Why? Are you hungry?”
“When am I not hungry?” he said, reaching into the cupboard for a mug. “Can I pour you a cup of coffee?”
“Thanks. That would be nice. Tell me, how is Victoria feeling this morning? It was simply terrible that she had that accident the other day.”
“Pretty good I think. I brought her some coffee and she’s trying to decide what she’d like for breakfast. She only had eggs and toast for dinner last night, so I’ll bet she wouldn’t mind a hunk of that cake. It looks fantastic!”
Doc came tiptoeing into the kitchen with a forefinger on his lips. Tiny mewing sounds emanated from the basket in his hand. Setting it on the kitchen table, he crooked a finger, beckoning Jack to come look.
In a lowered voice Elvira said, “I didn’t want to part with them, but my husband….” She cast a meaningful glance at Doc, “My husband says that we simply don’t need five more cats. I suppose he’s right. In any case, I’m happy to share, especially if it makes Victoria happy.”
Crossing the room, he leaned over, peering into the basket. Two small faces stared back, wide eyed, looking startled. Two tiny mouths opened revealing little needles of teeth and pink tongues the size of pencil erasers. In unison, they cried the
ir faint meow, imploring Jack to ‘Do something!’. One was gray except for white paws and tail tip, while the other was a yellowish orange all over. Jack reached in and scooped up the yellow cat.
“This one will be a Tom,” he said. Cupping the little guy in his hand, He lifted the kitten and spread its hind legs, and was rewarded with a small scream of protest. “Yup, looks like a little boy. These yellow cats are most often boys. He’ll grow up to be a big lazy guy, lying around all day in the sun.”
“The gray one is his little sister,” Elvira offered, smiling from where she leaned against the counter. “It’s always good to acquire cats in pairs so they have companionship when you’re not around to entertain them.”
Carefully, Jack placed the kitten back in the basket. “Shall we take them up and introduce them to Victoria?” he said.
“Doc nodded, smiling. “How about we let Vicky give the little darlings their names. I’ve only assigned numbers to the litter-mates. These are Two and Three respectively.”
Jack led the way up the stairs, followed by Elvira, with Doc bringing up the rear, carrying the basket. Gently, he rapped on the back bedroom door and entered, followed by Mrs. Sweeney.
“Victoria, how are you feeling?” asked Elvira as she patted the girl’s shoulder.
“I’m fine Mrs. Sweeney, thanks. It’s so nice of you to stop by. I’m really feeling all right. If Doc lets me, I intend to get up and go back to work today.”
“That’s wonderful. There’s a crumb cake downstairs and in a minute, I’ll bring you a piece of that, or anything else you want. Right now though, your doctor has a little medicine for you.”
“What medicine?” Vicky looked puzzled.
Elvira stepped aside to make room for Doc, who placed his basket on the bed next to Vicky. When she realized what was inside her eyes grew wide and her mouth formed a perfect O of surprise and delight.
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