Paranormal Romance Reading > Strong Women Journeys

by Ann Patty

  “Yes, it's odd, but I keep thinking to rid myself of everything except personal stuff, like photos and such. I don't know why.” Kelly shook her head in question of her own statements. She put her empty cup down and said, “Well back to work.” And off they both walked as if it were just another ordinary work meeting discussing client portfolios.

  By the end of the day Tim had arranged for a rookie broker named Julie to shadow Kelly. Tim told Kelly the next morning to just work five or six hours a day, however she wanted to schedule her hours. By the end of the week more good news came. A fully functioning broker from one of their satellite firms was transferring in to fill Cairn's vacancy. Tim had been working on Martin the day he found out about Cairn. Finally Martin accepted the position because Tim offered him some enticing incentives. Martin would be there after the following week. Tim told Kelly that she could leave when Martin arrived. However, Tim bribed Kelly that he would take her to dinner at her favorite spot if she would stay on for another week thereafter to smooth the transition. Kelly had no problem with that proposal. In fact, she got a kick out of it because she could walk at any time.

  The sale of Cairn's townhouse was going to be unencumbered. The furniture, all of it, would be vacated by the upscale secondhand sales house within days. Kelly promptly decided to have the same store go through her condo to see if her furnishings were up to par for resale as well. All of Kelly's furnishings wound up slated for the consignment shop too. A week later, Kelly's home was gutted. Her furniture now consistent of two lawn chairs, a folding table, and one queen mattress to sleep on. The cash sale on Kelly condo was scheduled to close at the end of the month, three weeks away. However, the buyers were out of state and did not need to occupy it right then. They told Kelly via her realtor she could occupy their new condo up to ten more weeks if she wished. Kelly was not sure the extra time was a blessing, or not. The new owners generosity left time for Kelly to find options, one of which was staying put. But having no furniture was a sure sign of leaving.

  A few weeks later found Kelly slowly easing out of her work mode. Her broker apprentice, Julie, was not such a rookie after all. She had a natural knack for serving clients and fit Kelly's model of a super conscientious broker. Martin, the out-of-towner arrived with confidence and savvy that's typical of a well season money manager. The office would have no problem thriving long after Kelly was gone. These days she was coming in for a few hours just to answer all the minute details and wrap up loose ends. Kelly was simply moral support at this moot point.

  Last Supper

  Tim smiled across the candle lit dinner table at Kelly, “Well?”

  “Well what?” Kelly jeered back.

  “Do you want to make Friday your last day?” Tim asked.

  “Wow. Already? Hmmm. I guess so. You don't need three of us on the payroll.” Kelly sighed relief. “Okay, then it's settled. Friday I'm off.” Kelly could hardly believe how fast life was spinning lately.

  “What are you going to do Kelly? What are your desires for your future?” Tim asked as he looked over his menu.

  “Good question,” Kelly answered. “This is a big transition. For some reason I know another type of life is waiting, so I'm not worried. Don't ask me how I know. Just woman's intuition.”

  “Do you think that life can fit me in now and again?” Tim sounded hopeful.

  “Tim you will always have a special place in my heart.” Kelly said, then realized her words might be prophetic. She had said Tim would have a place in her heart... not in her life. She wondered if Tim caught that. Then Kelly regrouped and said, “Tim, no matter what happens I'd really like it if we are forever friends. You know regardless of any significant others?” Oops, Kelly thought. There again she implied they wouldn't be together as life partners.

  “It's fine Kelly. I get your drift. And, yes, I want to be your friend, or other, forever,” Tim grinned ear to ear as he said or other. “Do you want me to order for the both of us?”

  Kelly nodded and put down her menu. One less decision right then was fine for her. Their dinner conversation revolved around their work lives. Their apprenticeships, the odd client encounters, and other incidental happenstances that Kelly was beginning to feel distant from. The world of opportunities had opened up to Kelly and her thoughts of what next flooded out what had been. She came to the conclusion that Tim and her would never be. Their relationship was based on work, and at every corner revolved around work issues. Tim was understandably still immersed inside of his career. Kelly was pulling away mentally faster than she cared to admit. It was her time to explore new options. Reinvent herself and do whatever. She now stood among the privileged class that would allow her such freedoms.

  Prime rib trimmed with all the regalia was what Tim ordered. Good choice. Kelly briefly reminisced a similar dinner not so long ago. Dinner conversation did stray from the brokerage because Kelly directed it otherwise. They chit chatted about their childhoods, best friends, families, and favorite pets. Tim had fish and turtles for pets. It made Kelly laugh, but it also told her he was probably not a large animal fan. That would get in her way because she was going to adopt a puppy from the shelter when she knew where she was going.

  Tim drove Kelly home and she invited him inside, not expecting him to stay. “Wow, it looks like you have been robbed,” Tim said as he entered Kelly's condo behind her.

  “Yup, off to the second hand store all of it went. Sorry no couch to sit on, but I have lawn chairs in the kitchen. Care to sit?” Kelly pointed to the plastic chairs that graced the kitchen corner. Then said, “I've got to use the restroom, excuse me.”

  Tim walked around with his hands in his pockets and shook his head. He still didn't get how Kelly could just sell it all off without a plan. He wasn't convinced that her woman's intuition was steering her right. He wasn't sure about his forever friend status, or his placement. But, Tim did know that falling further for Kelly was not in his best interest. So friends it would be. Tim's thoughts came to an abrupt halt when Kelly's phone rang sharply. It was sitting on the counter beside her purse.

  “Kelly, hear that? Do you want me to answer it for you?” Tim asked through the bathroom door.

  “Sure if you want. I'll be right out,” Kelly was washing her hands.

  So Tim answered with, “Hello, Kelly's phone, but this is Tim speaking.”

  In return the voice said, “Hi, this is Cliff's phone with Cliff speaking.”

  “Ah. Good one,” Tim stated, “She'll be right here.”

  Kelly came out of the bathroom. Tim passed her the phone. “It's Cliff?” Tim said with a raised eyebrow.

  “Oh!” Kelly said, looking perplexed, then took the phone. Tim mouthed I got to go, kissed Kelly ever so lightly on the cheek and left.

  Cowboy Rides Again

  “Cliff?” Kelly asked.

  “Hello Kelly.” Cliff waited, then spoke again, “I have a lot of explaining to do to you for not communicating properly over the last months. I feel terrible. Do you have a minute?”

  Kelly was caught off guard and didn't know what to think except that whatever they had before was probably no more than a hope filled dream. Their memories were fading, just as blue jeans get when they wear thin. Kelly did not know if their pants still fit, but she was willing to listen. “Yes, I do have a minute. Please go on.”

  “A whole lot happened between that one email I sent you and this now phone call Kel. Some good news and some not,” Cliff stopped to clear his throat.

  “I'm listening Cliff. What is it?”

  “I had a super visit to the coast. Even found my Grandparent's house, right where I left it at fourteen years old. Still sits on the bluff overlooking miles of the beachfront. Still has lots of grass-land around it. The house was rented so I couldn't go inside, but just the same I found it. Not bad for a thirty-five year old memory, huh?”

  “Gosh, that is super Cliff. Like going back in time. Did you stay awhile?” Kelly asked with reserve in her voice, and a guarded heart.

/>   “I stayed at the coast for several days, but I was called back home. My grandson was in a bad accident with the tractor. He died in my arms Kelly. I think he hung onto life until he could see me again. His last breaths were taken in my arms,” Cliff's voice cracked and the air went quiet, but Kelly knew he had covered the voice receptor.

  Kelly gasped. “Oh my dear Cliff. I'm so so sorry. I have no words adequate,” Kelly caught her breath. She softened as she could feel Cliff's pain. “How is your son and his wife holding up?”

  Cliff cleared his throat and began again, “Not well. The whole valley was shook up. You know when one hurts here, we all do.”

  Kelly asked, “How long ago?”

  “Pretty much after that first and last text I sent you. I got back after the accident and it was barely a day and he passed on. It's been a bit. I should have called you. I wanted too, but just couldn't...” Cliff's last words wandered off until he collected himself again. “To top that off, a few weeks later someone came onto the farm when I was out, I guess to rob the place for whatever it was not worth.”

  Kelly was surprised, “Wh-what? Why I thought your neighborhood was safe?”

  “It is, or was. It appeared these rustlers were traveling through haunting remote places somewhat within escaping distance along the freeway corridor. There was a string of similar incidents that stretched for miles. Two of them worked as a team. The authorities are pretty certain they caught them, because the thefts have stopped,” Cliff told Kelly, took a drink of something to clear his throat then continued, “Make that a correction. The thieves were caught ransacking a remote farmer's home. Like me he lived alone, but unlike me he walked in on them ripping up his home. He suspected something was amiss when he came home to slaughtered chickens in his front yard. The farmer, bless his soul, made no fuss about it. He shot one dead and shot the other in the gut, who flew the scene. The second perpetrator was found dead in the getaway car at a rest stop.”

  “So did they steal anything?” Kelly wanted to know.

  “Not that I can tell. All I have is livestock and hay here. They weren't livestock hustlers. They were malicious thieves. They tore through the upstairs dumping out drawers, knifing the guts out of my couches and mattresses. What a mess. I guess they were looking for loot. When they didn't find any, they cut water lines, pulled the electric wires right out of the breaker box, even punched a hole in the propane tank. I'm surprised they didn't ignite it and blow the whole place up. Lucky me I guess.”

  “Holy cow, Cliff. I can't imagine. Are the animals okay?” Kelly asked.

  Cliff fell silent. Kelly could tell it wasn't good. She was not sure she wanted to hear what was next. “They gutted my best bull. Left him to die. I had to shoot him when I got home. Don't ask me how they picked out the best one I had. I raised him from ground up. I think it was because he was the most docile and friendly of the bunch,” Cliff sounded disgusted, as he should be.

  “The horses?” Kelly asked.

  “They are fine. I had them over at Engine Jo's for the week because he wanted to trail ride the ridge where we saw the warrior. Thank you lord for small favors as Engine Jo doesn't own a horse. He just borrows them.” Cliff paused then added, “Kel, the bastards killed Freckles and Vomit. Slit their throats. I'm sure they never felt a thing. The girls, Mattie and Paddy had gone with me to town. That saved their lives I'm sure,” Cliff could hear Kelly gasp, the groan. Then he continued on. “So I guess one could say I've been out of the loop for reasons not of my own making. I'm sorry Kelly. It's not like I didn't think of you. I just didn't think.”

  “Listen Cliff. Shit happens. No need to apologize for what you have experienced. I can't imagine how violated you felt having someone ransack your place and kill your pets. All on the heels of losing your grandson. Hardly seems fair,” Kelly attempted to console Cliff. All this was huge news to Kelly. It knocked her senseless. It dawned on Kelly there might be something else. “Cliff is that all. I mean it's certainly enough. But, is there anything else you want to tell me while I'm in shock?”

  “Yeah come to think of it there is,” Cliff stopped talking momentarily before the next announcement. “I sold the ranch.”

  “What?” Kelly shrieked. “I thought you loved that place.”

  “I did,” Cliff remarked, “But it holds too many recent bad memories for me. You know I can't remember if I told you, but I was going to sell the ranch last year, but held off. Now I wonder. If I had sold the place, none of this would have happened. First Cairn. Then my animals. Kelly it was here on my own tractor and on my ranch where my grandson met his fate. Too many things. Too many. I lost heart for my land. I didn't want to repair or rebuild. The odd coincidence was that the investor from last year reappeared offering me a price I couldn't refuse. The ranch has water rights which made it a good investment.”

  “Wow. You have had some major transitions Cliff. What about your animals, did you find homes for them?”

  Well the cattle got split up. A few friends each took a bunch. Engine Jo has the horses for now. Says he wants to trail ride, but hasn't yet. I think he just likes to fuss over and pet them. They are in good company. Mattie and Paddy will always be with me. Surprise the barn cat went to my grand daughters who fuss over her. If there are other strays, well, the ranch is their home now. So I have two horses and two dogs. One truck and a living quarters three horse trailer. Can always live out of that for a while. Anyway, that is it for my blog.”

  “Gee you sound like me. Easy traveler. What about you—where are you going to live Cliff?” Kelly prodded.

  “Yeah, that is a good question. For now I'm staying with my son and family. I might be a hindrance to their healing. Perhaps even a constant reminder. I don't know. My daughter in law is tight lipped, holds a lot in. It's given me the notion to get out of their hair for a while so they can relax and grieve more freely. So I was thinking of visiting you for starters. Is that a possibility? I don't want to impose, so be honest,” Cliff asked hopefully, then added, “ I know its been way too long since I made an attempt to communicate. I apologize. I'd like a second chance.”

  Silence fell upon the air waves between them. In reality only a few pensive moments had passed. Yet, for Cliff this time stood eternally still holding his heart in its grip.

  “Only if you bring the dogs with you otherwise absolutely not.” Kelly teased. Inside she could hardly contain herself. All her feelings for Cliff overcame her. Kelly recognized that great friendships are a rare gift. Despite time and distance when you can pick up where you left off. And, when you only need to hear a person's voice to reconnect deeply, your endearment to your other is ageless.

  “Really? You sure? When?” Cliff was elated for the first time in months. “What about you Kelly. What's happened in your life? Sorry, I was so self-absorbed telling you my miseries.”

  “Whoa cowboy. Too many questions! First, yes, I am sure you and the girls are welcome here. When? The sooner the better if that suits. About me? My life has changed a whole lot too. In a sentence, I sold my home, I quit my job, and I have to get out of my house in a few weeks. How's that?” Kelly laughed.

  “Whoa there too, cowgirl! That is an armload. Sold your house? Were we leading parallel lives?” Cliff and Kelly spent the next hours talking and as if they never missed a beat. They chatted over what was missed out on from over their last months estranged. Kelly briefed Cliff on the sales of her and Cairn's homes, and without eluding to her new wealth, that she was quitting her job with one-day left to go. Cliff of course was surprised, pleasantly so.

  “Kelly, this may sound odd, but I still have the artifacts that Cairn was left by her warrior. Don't know why I kept them, except that I promised to give them to you. They almost seem like a bad omen now. You know, because of all that transpired on my ranch since,” Cliff sounded tired. He had talked with Kelly for almost three hours.

  Kelly nodded her head, then said, “Keep the items at least until we meet. I am wondering with the things I picked up, if it
all completes a circle, or tells a story. I was going to do some research around this warrior Chief but haven't. Don't know what it would prove, or satisfy in me at this point. Digging up legend might serve no purpose. What is done is gone. Hey—maybe we should have a burial ceremony for all of the keepsakes. We'll figure it out. Cliff... I am not so sure I would look at the Indian items as a bad omen. The end of my trip coming home here, proved to be good for my future. Therefore I could regard the clues I picked up as good tokens.”