Call of the Canyon

by Nancy Pennick

  He went down the side hall from the kitchen and out the door to the garage. Kate ran upstairs to her dad’s study to find him sitting in front of a blank page on his computer screen.

  “Writer’s block.” He chuckled and leaned back in his chair. He removed his glasses and looked at her. “What’s wrong?”

  After Kate filled him in, he took her by the hand like she was a little girl and went downstairs. He turned on the television like it was a normal Sunday night and sat down. “Your mother’s over at Maya’s and I’m going to call and ask her to come home. No, I have a better idea.” Jackson sent a text message and waited for a reply.

  Kate was proud of her dad for finally giving in and using his cell phone to send messages. He had resisted at first, although he always liked the idea of having a phone on him in case of an emergency.

  In a few minutes there was a tap on the sliding glass door that led out to their back deck. Kate jumped a mile. “It’s Tyson, Dad!” She suddenly felt like she was in some terrible horror movie.

  “Hopefully not.” He got up, pulled the drapes back to reveal Carl standing on the other side. Her dad unlocked the door, then the screen, and let him in.

  “Reporting for duty, sir.” Carl was half joking, half serious. “I’ll watch for the perp. Go do what you need to do.” They traded places and Carl locked the doors behind him. “Hey, sis, how come you’re always causing trouble wherever you go?”

  Kate threw a pillow at him. “Look who’s talking! Did my dad tell you everything?”

  “In a text?” They both found the humor in that. “You’ll have to give me all the details.”

  Kate spent the next half hour telling Carl about her weekend, starting at the basketball game right up till now. “And there you have it.” She threw herself back into the sofa, exhausted from living it over again. “I ended it last night. I thought he heard me.”

  “I always said he was a stalker and you had to watch out for him.” Carl walked to the front window and looked out into the dark night.

  “And I always said you’re the ‘Carl police.’” Kate shot back. “See anything?”

  “Two hairy monsters are approaching.”

  “What?”

  “Gotcha!”

  Another pillow zoomed through the air and then another. They were laughing so hard they almost missed the knock on the backdoor.

  Kate let her parents in and her mom hugged her tightly. “You can let go now, Mom.”

  “It’s just that it’s so like last year...the feelings are all coming back,” she cried.

  “Mom, I’m fine. See?” Kate held her arms out from her sides and as she twirled around for her mother’s inspection she heard the garage door open.

  Drew and Lindsey walked in from the kitchen hallway. “Everyone’s safe!” Drew called out. “I had Lindsey drive over here to prove she’s all in one piece.”

  “Why that little...” Lindsey had to be held back by Drew as they entered the kitchen. “I ought to go across the street and punch his lights out! What was he trying to do, pulling that stunt?” She headed for the front door like she was going to run across the street and pummel Tyson but something stopped her.

  Lindsey reached for her phone. “What?” She said curtly into the receiver. “Really, you could have fooled me.” Then her voice softened. “No, I went home. I didn’t think you were coming. Yeah, see you in school, bye.” She put her phone back in her pocket and looked up at the crowd gathered around her. “It was Tyson. He apologized for being late and wanted to know where I was because they couldn’t find me. He said he and Erin thought of inviting me, just me, at the spur of the moment. They know I get lonely at times.”

  The horror movie has ended and turned into a PG rated comedy of errors. “See, he’s not all bad. I know what you’re all thinking, I’m naïve. Don’t worry, I still don’t trust him. I’m avoiding him at all costs.” Kate held her hands up to ward off their stares. She didn’t want to label her one-time friend as a stalker. It sounded so cold. Still, she was aware he had changed...and not for the good.

  “Good to know. We’ve all learned a lesson tonight. I think it’s best if you kids keep away from him for awhile. I’ve wanted to have a chat with his parents but your mom won’t let me. Let’s call it a night.” Kate’s dad ended things. “Carl, thanks for coming over.” He shook his hand.

  Carl hugged Kate. “Night, sis, don’t be too trusting. I’m glad you’re coming to your senses, though.”

  Her mom walked Lindsey to her car. Kate was left with Drew and her father. “What? I can tell by your faces you don’t believe me. I don’t trust him. I’m keeping my distance.”

  “We believe you, pumpkin. It’s been a long night. Let’s get a good night’s rest. I’m sure everything will look better in the morning.” He put his arm around her and the other over Drew’s shoulders as they headed up the stairs together.

  * * * *

  Kate was in countdown mode--two more days until they left for the cabin and one more day of school. Monday was uneventful. She managed to dodge Tyson all day. Lindsey seemed less forgiving of him once she had time to think about what took place and told Kate they still had to be careful. Lindsey felt Tyson would head for the state park on Wednesday and stalk the grounds looking for Drew and Kate. That might be a good thing. It would keep him away from what was really going to happen.

  Kate didn’t know how Erin put up with all his nonsense or maybe she didn’t know the half of it because she was away at school. It wasn’t her place to worry about it. Erin was a big girl and could make her own decisions when it came to Tyson. Still there was a twinge of sympathy for her.

  The last day of school finally arrived. Kate was relieved to look at her calendar and see Tuesday staring back at her. Drew would cut all his classes to escort her around school, even though he was in two of them, so she wanted everything to remain calm. She reminded him of how well Monday went and now they only had one day left. Still it seemed Jordyn, Lindsey, Drew and now Brian were with her at all times. Brian officially became Jordyn’s new boyfriend the night of the dance. Everyone was happy for her except Matt Parker. There was no way he could turn into a Tyson. Kate wiped the idea from her mind.

  “Are you alright, Katie?” Jordyn joined her at her locker.

  “Fine, I’m a little tired.”

  “After all you’ve been through, I’m not surprised. How do I miss out on everything?”

  “You’re not missing out, Jordyn. The less drama for you, the better. You had enough for one year.”

  “Well, I’d like to hear about someone else’s drama for a change. You guys have been great to me. I’d like to return the favor.”

  Kate smiled at her. She remembered back to the same time last year when Jordyn helped with her escape to the canyon. She never asked questions, just went along with the plan. At the time, Kate felt guilty for keeping her out of the loop and told Lindsey she wanted to fill Jordyn in on things. Kate never did and was glad because the fewer people who knew, the better. It became a small inner circle of people who could keep the secret because it protected family and loved ones. It had to stay that way.

  “Brian and I are going out to celebrate no school tomorrow, want to come?” Jordyn seemed to be searching the hallways for someone. Right on cue, he showed up.

  As the two chatted, Kate finished putting her books in the locker and started to organize for afternoon classes. She never answered Jordyn’s question and would have to disappoint her again by saying they couldn’t come.

  “What’s up?” Tyson bounced off the locker next to Kate’s. “Looking forward to vacation? Any special plans?”

  “I already told you, no special plans.” Kate pushed the door shut and locked it. She turned to Jordyn. “I’m ready for lunch.”

  “Me, too.” Tyson tagged along. “Hey, Brian, when did you get in with the clique again? Went from one babe to another I see.” Kate saw him eying Brian holding Jordyn’s hand.

  “Lindsey was only my friend and
still is.” Brian shot back. Tyson and Brian had been friends since middle school where they’d met trying out for the basketball team. Jordyn told Kate he didn’t like hearing bad things about his buddy, but agreed Tyson acted strangely around her.

  “The team’s going to have a meeting during lunch, Brian, come on.” Tyson seemed desperate to pry him away from the girls.

  “I’ll join you later, Jordyn.” Brian waved and walked off with Tyson.

  Jordyn stamped her foot. “Is Tyson going to start messing with my relationship now? He’s like a jealous girl!” She looked at Kate and they both began to laugh.

  “I’m sure Brian will meet up with us in the lunchroom.” Kate linked arms with Jordyn and headed for the cafeteria.

  Drew and Lindsey were already at the table and seemed impatient. Drew had a few football buddies who sat with them plus the usual group of girls who were casual friends since grade school. They chatted about nothing and Kate could only see their mouths moving, not hearing the words. It was a typical day in the lives of her friends and Kate pretended she fit in, although she felt disconnected. In another way, it reminded her she was a normal teenage girl for just a moment.

  It didn’t last long when Brian and Tyson joined the group. Lindsey rolled her eyes at Kate and Kate could feel Drew’s arm stiffen next to her. She whispered in his ear they should leave and head for the library. That’s one place Tyson would never find them. As they made their getaway, Drew looked at her and said, “Let’s go home.”

  “Cut class? You, the perfect student?”

  “Yes, I’m sure your dad will call in for us. We have food poisoning or something.”

  “You are evil! Let’s go.”

  They headed out the door and went straight to the parking lot. Drew always drove them to school so they could easily go home.

  “He’s been bothering you today, hasn’t he?” It was like he was able to read her mind.

  “Not really, I didn’t see him until right before lunch.”

  “Well, I believe his strategy was to find you everywhere you went for the rest of the day. That’s why I want us out of there.”

  “Can you picture Tyson running around the school trying to find us?” Kate giggled.

  “I guess I can see the humor in it.” Drew smiled.

  Kate was glad to see Drew relax and not worry about her. “I’m able to take care of myself, you know.”

  “Yes, I know that. It’s just that he’s bigger and stronger than you. Just remember that.”

  “Let’s not talk about him anymore. We have more important things to discuss, like our plans for the weekend.”

  “Tomorrow night we leave for the canyon. We’ll arrive on Thanksgiving Day. I don’t know if that’s a good or a bad thing.” Drew frowned at her.

  “What do you mean by that?”

  “We don’t want anyone to see us, Kate. There could be a lot of people around for the holiday. The fewer who see us, the better.”

  “They do expect us back for the holiday, you know, but we’ll sneak out of the boardinghouse and head straight to the cabin. Not a problem.” She felt he was right. They didn’t want to change anyone’s Thanksgiving from previous ones. They were going to create their own holiday not join in with someone else’s.

  The excitement started to build. Kate envisioned herself at the cabin having a romantic Thanksgiving dinner with Drew. Everything finally seemed right with the world.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Kate’s eyes popped open and she jumped out of bed so quickly she tripped on her little braided rug and nose-dived right toward her dresser. At the last minute she caught herself. Chuckling, Kate realized she wasn’t making a very quiet escape from the boardinghouse.

  Opening her door, she slipped into the hallway, grabbed clothes and rushed back into her room to dress for the day. She hoped no one would spot her as she tiptoed to the front door. The air was cool and crisp and the sun was already rising in the morning sky.

  Kate ran for the barn, looking right and left as she crossed the yard, checking to see if it was safe. Her heart raced, but not because she was scared of being caught. Excitement rose inside her as she was about to have her first Thanksgiving with Drew. They would have two whole days to themselves, not the four Drew believed they would have. Originally she planned to have them go back Thanksgiving night, but she knew it would break his heart. He had no idea Kate planned on staying by his side all day Friday so he wouldn’t be tempted to visit the river. She’d wait until that night to tell him they’d have to go back to Ohio. She was determined to keep him far away from the canyon until the new year started and he was safe to return.

  As she entered the barn, Kate noticed Drew was not very happy. “Is something wrong?”

  “Look who’s here.” Drew grabbed someone by the arm and pulled him into view.

  “Carl! What are you doing here?” Kate realized why Drew was angry.

  “Saddling up Thunder.” Carl answered nonchalantly.

  “You promised to stay away. You said you understood you couldn’t mess with history,” Kate cried.

  “I’m not going to mess with history,” Carl repeated. “I just need to be here. I need to see Rachel one more time.”

  “No, you don’t.” Drew took a step toward him. Kate knew how much Drew loved his friend, Thomas, and wouldn’t stand for anyone coming between Thomas and Rachel.

  Carl moved toward him. “Come on, Drew. Try to stop me.”

  “Guys, guys, this is ridiculous. Carl, let’s talk.” Kate stepped between them, placing her hands on their chests.

  Carl sank down on a bale of hay next to Thunder’s stall. “Let me try to explain.” His eyes pleaded with Kate. “The first time I came here, I felt something. There was this connection, like I belonged. I love it here.”

  Kate could relate to that because she felt the same way. She sat down next to Carl and took his hand. “I know the feeling.” She looked into his eyes and saw so many conflicting emotions her heart ached for him.

  “My dad’s here and I get along so well with him even though he has no idea I’m his son. He’s a Swedish immigrant who came to this country just ten years ago trying to make a go of it. He’s worked from the bottom up with no help from anyone. I can relate to that. Dad talks to me man to man. He never sees color. He has vision and hope for everyone. I miss that. I want to stay and help him build his dream ranch. I’ll work for room and board.”

  “And you can continue to see Rachel and sabotage the wedding, I presume.” Drew’s voice shook.

  “No, Drew, not at all. I’ll see her one more time as promised.” Carl rose and grabbed the saddle, slinging it over Thunder’s back. He looked at Kate. “Trust me?”

  “Always.” She stood and wrapped her arms around Carl. She couldn’t forget that look in his eyes.

  Kate turned to Drew and saw Canyon stood ready and waiting. “I can never figure out how that horse just magically appears.”

  Drew mounted the horse and pulled Kate up behind him. “Carl, I believe you’re a man of your word. I’m just putting this out there. Don’t disappoint Kate.”

  They rode through the barn door and out into the morning air. Kate turned her head to look back at Carl and saw he was already gone.

  * * * *

  As they neared El Tovar, Drew veered off the trail and into the woods, heading for the barn around back.

  “You’re being quite devious.” Kate whispered in his ear.

  “I don’t want anyone to see us.” He helped her down and then jumped to the ground. “I arranged for Thomas and Rachel to go to the Jenkins ranch for Thanksgiving, even though I won’t be there like in years past. Thomas plans to propose when he brings Rachel home tonight.”

  “So that’s where you went last year when I couldn’t find you. Thomas wouldn’t tell me!” Kate stamped her foot. “I could have ended it sooner if I found you.”

  “You did find me, with your letters. They were on my mind on the drive out to Circle J and the day after whe
n I headed for the bottom of the canyon. I had to start reading them when I got to base camp. As you know, I never left until Saturday. You changed history with those letters.”

  Tears filled Kate’s eyes. “Yes, I guess I did, for the better.” She melted into Drew’s arms and hung on tightly. “I don’t know what I would have done if...”

  “Don’t say it.” Drew lifted her chin to look in her sapphire blue eyes. “I never could have left you.”

  The two walked silently hand in hand to the cabin. Kate leaned against the wall of the house while Drew felt around on the top of the doorframe for the key to open the door. “Strange, it’s not here.”

  “Oh no! We have to get into that cabin.” Kate’s eyes grew wide. She didn’t want to go back home.

  Drew laughed and produced the key. “Kidding! Thought I needed to lighten the mood.”

  Kate lightly punched Drew in the arm. “I’d make you get a room at El Tovar because I refuse to go home.”

  The smell of turkey overwhelmed her as they entered the cabin. “Drew, is that what I think it is? Thanksgiving dinner is already cooking? How do you always manage these things?”

  The table was set with beautiful, sparkling crystal and china with tall, slim orange candles in beautiful autumn floral holders in the middle. Pumpkins were all around the fireplace and cornstalks were tied to the front door and porch posts. “You must have some kind of magical powers.”

  “Yep.” Drew kissed her on the forehead and headed for his wine cellar. “A nice white will go well with dinner.”

  Kate spun around the large room, taking it all in. She always felt like it was a dream when she was at the cabin. When she was there, she was Mrs. Andrew Martin...Kate Martin. She couldn’t say it enough.

  Drew appeared with two glasses and the bottle of wine. He started a fire and they sat on the sofa. “To us,” Drew held up his glass. “And our first Thanksgiving together.”

  Kate held up her glass and they touched the top of their glasses. The wine went down smoothly, giving her a warm feeling all over...or maybe it was because she was sitting next to Drew. All she knew is that dinner could wait because it was time for something other than eating Thanksgiving dinner.