Bert was struggling more than he expected with this. “Well, don’t forget, Becky, Norah is a psychic. She senses you already.” He wasn’t happy with the way that answer felt.
Becky seemed satisfied for now. “Yeah, I forget about that. I’m sure it will take some getting used to in order to have a relationship with a psychic that I don’t directly interact with. However, if you’re okay with my steep learning curve, then we’ll figure it out as time goes on.” She smiled that killer smile and her blue eyes sparkled.
Bert knew it was time to get down to business before he continued to stumble over this situation. He glanced at Norah, who was smiling at his awkwardness. “Let’s discuss a possible case for you, Becky.”
“Are you serious?” Becky was caught by surprise. “I haven’t even gotten my feet on the ground with you guys and you already want me to work a case?”
Bert laughed. “You said you wanted to work, so we’re going to work you.”
“Well, I thought I’d have an air-conditioned office, a staff car, and a couple of assistants for a year or two before I started working cases,” she said laughingly.
“Nope; not with us,” he replied. “I recognize your abilities and Norah agrees with me. In fact, this one is her suggestion. It’s a rather unusual case a couple of hours from here, in Red Lodge. You could either drive back and forth or stay in a motel there, depending upon the need.”
Becky leaned forward from the easy chair. “Then give me the rundown, boss, and I’ll get back to the B & B and finish moving in today. After that, when would you like me to get started with it? Tomorrow?” She took out a notepad and pen from her purse, ready to get the details.
Bert retrieved the email traffic from Guy and Elizabeth Hayden. He read the several exchanges out loud, pausing to allow Becky to ask questions and make notes. “I’ll give you copies of these messages, so you don’t need to make notes on them. I think this case will probably require a bit of interaction with the parties up there, especially the child.”
“I’ll call Elizabeth and Guy tonight and arrange a time to visit and get started, then. When they’re ready, I’ll be ready.” Becky was thrilled about being entrusted with a case the day she walked in. “Got to tell you, Bert,” she added, “I’m really excited to be working with you and to get to work on this case. I’ll do my best to not let either of you down.”
“No worries, Becky,” Bert said, “We want you to do the Red Lodge case because we think you’re best suited for it. You have an empath personality, and that may be exactly what’s needed to find closure for this little girl. Just call and discuss it with us any time you feel the need. Otherwise, run with it.”
Becky was bubbling with enthusiasm as she walked to the door. When she reached the door, without thinking, she gave Bert a hug. “Oh sorry,” she exclaimed, “My family and I are huggers and it’s just second nature to me. I hope you don’t mind?”
He quickly relieved her concern. “That’s okay, both our families are huggers, too. You’ll fit right in. Good luck with the rest of your move. If you need help, give a shout. Just let me know how the case is proceeding.”
She left. Bert turned toward Norah, where she was watching Becky drive away. Norah turned back toward Bert.
“I like her,” she said. “I love her bubbly and enthusiastic personality. I think she’ll be a great member of our team. I just wish she was a bit ugly, though.” She chuckled at that. Her husband was dazzled by Becky’s beauty, and she knew it.
“Well, look at the bright side.” Bert said a little apologetically. “Her beauty and smile can probably get her into worthwhile conversations when I wouldn’t stand a chance.”
“You’re right about that, Honey,” Norah agreed. “Most men would likely bare their souls to her.” She laughed as she looked Bert in the eyes.
***
Rebecca Thompson felt strangely eerie as she drove back to her room. Norah wasn’t there when she met with Bert, so why did she feel that Norah was there. Though she was only talking with Bert, she couldn’t help but feel a three-way conversation. There was obviously a lot she had to learn about this psychic relationship.
Becky arrived back at her room and continued the chore of unpacking her things and putting them away. Fortunately, she was traveling light for the time being. Just the very basics to tide her over in this room until she found something more permanent. Of course, that depended upon how permanent her job was. That was going to depend upon how well she handled this first job. She needed to contact the Red Lodge family and get that ball rolling.
Becky listened to her phone ring about five times. Just as she was about to hang up, Elizabeth Hayden answered. “Hi Mrs. Hayden, I’m Becky Thompson with B & N Investigations.” Boy, she liked the sound of that! “I’ve been assigned to your case. I’d like to arrange a time when I can come up there and begin the process of trying to help you with your daughter.”
Elizabeth quickly asked to just be called Lizzie. She said her husband, Guy, knew she wanted this investigation, but he wasn’t convinced that it would do any good. So, Elizabeth, Lizzie, would be the primary point of contact with Becky. They arranged to meet the day after tomorrow, Thursday. The snow which was forecasted for tonight and tomorrow should be passed by then.
Becky thanked Lizzie for putting her trust in her and the company and said good-bye. She was glad they weren’t meeting until Thursday. It gave her another day to get her room setup to her liking and get mentally prepared for the unknowns this case was certain to bring her way.
She went back to work on her room. Outside, a light snow was beginning to fall in the darkness of 6:30 PM in Wyoming. The thermometer outside her window said it was fifteen degrees. If she wasn’t sweating from arranging her room and putting her things away, she knew she’d be suppressing a shiver and putting on a sweater.
West of the Buffalo Bill Dam, Bert and Norah were on the speaker phone with Robert Sturdevant. He was describing the horrible day in July of 2010 when his mother was last seen. Several times, the child in this man surfaced as he broke down crying. The third time, he wept for well over a minute before regaining enough composure to continue.
Bert inquired gently, “Do you have any idea what she was doing and who she was associating with during the months leading up to her disappearance?”
“I’m very sorry, Mr. Lynnes, but I just can’t remember much of that. I’ve had a lot of mental problems, and one is that I can’t remember a lot about my early years. A couple of the doctors I’ve been to think it may be amnesia brought on by mom’s disappearance. Kinda like PTDS, they say.”
Bert thought about that for a few seconds. “Robert, if I may call you Robert, just call me Bert. I’m not a formal guy. Do you mean PTSD? Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?”
“Oh yeah, I’m sorry, sir. Yes, that’s what they called it. Do you think it could be that?”
Bert replied carefully. “I don’t know that, Robert, and I’m not a doctor. I couldn’t diagnose that. It does seem like a plausible explanation, though.”
“Yeah, it makes sense to me,” Robert admitted. “So, can you help me find out what happened to mommy?”
“Robert, all I can promise you is that we’ll do our best. This is a very cold case and will probably be difficult to resurrect and solve. I think we should get together soon and go over as many details as you can recall. Today is January 2nd, Tuesday. Would you be able to meet me about a week from now? I’ll have to look at the weather forecasts, but right now I think I can drive over there around Tuesday or Wednesday of next week.”
“Oh, yes sir,” Robert responded quickly. “I’m not really working; just trying to manage mom’s investments from home. I’ll meet with you anytime you can get here.” He sobbed again.
Bert wanted to channel this man’s obvious grief in a positive direction. “Robert, I need for you to meet with the police and get a copy of their report about your mother’s case. Also, make notes about anything or anyone that you believe might help us. Frien
ds, acquaintances, coworkers, and so forth. Anything you can remember or dig up. If you find people who’re familiar with the case, get their phone numbers and addresses so we can contact them.”
Robert seemed anxious to help. “Oh yeah, Mr. Lynnes, I’ll get those for you if I can. I mean, Bert. Sorry. I’m just used to being formal with my superiors.”
“No problem, Robert. I’m just Bert. And I’m not your superior, I’m just the man you’ve hired to try to find out what happened to your mother. I’ll call you in a few days to see how you’re doing with those things, and we can finalize a day and time to meet. Take care of yourself. Okay?”
“Oh yes sir, I mean okay, Bert. I’m very anxious for you to get started. I really want to find out what happened to mommy. Goodbye, sir.”
After ending the call, Bert looked at Norah with a look of confusion. “Honey, this case just got a bit stranger, I think.”
Norah was nodding vigorously. “Yes, dear, you’re right. I’m picking up on an unusual degree of hurt in this young man. He’s not even begun to heal from the loss of his mother. To him, it’s as if it happened yesterday. You must handle him with kid gloves, Bert. He seems very fragile.”
“Well, 2018 is starting off with a bang, my Love,” Bert concluded. “I think we’re going to have our hands full in Nebraska City. I wonder if it will be any easier for Becky in Red Lodge?”
Outside, the wind was picking up, now about 25 miles per hour. It was swirling the new snow, now coming down at a much faster pace. By morning, it was forecasted to be a winter storm, with up to 12 inches of snow by late afternoon, when it was predicted to subside. At the ski lodge and its runs at Red Lodge Mountain, owners and skiers would be excited. This best kept secret of the downhill community would reap the benefits of fresh snow, even as the roads would initially prevent Becky from making the trip.
From her room at Robin’s Nest B & B, Becky peered out her window into the lighted back yard. The snow, dancing in circles around the trees and lawn ornaments, reminded her of the rush of anxiety dancing in her head about the case she would go to on Thursday. The 10-degree temperature exacerbated the chill she felt as she tried to imagine what was going on with the little girl. Now, though, she kicked off her fuzzy slippers, adjusted her pajamas, and climbed under the covers. Red Lodge would come soon enough.
Chapter Three: Summer
Becky took one last look at the cherrywood bar given to Bill Cody by Queen Victoria. This ornate bar spanned a major portion of the west wall of the Buffalo Bill Restaurant. She had decided that her first meal out in Cody just had to be at the internationally known Irma Hotel on Main Street, named for Bill Cody’s daughter. When she walked the roughly five blocks to the hotel and its restaurant, the storm had subsided to just light wind and flurries. Even this light snow gave a surreal appeal to the senses as it passed through the streetlights, which had come on at dusk on this Wednesday evening, January 3rd.
Walking through the bar area to the east of the restaurant dining room, Becky slowed to look at the pictures scattered around the walls of this rustic cowboy bar. She paused at the signed picture of her friend, Governor Sam Patterson. Her heart warmed as she thought of the enjoyable chats she had with him and Cody, now Bert, back in Cheyenne. She remembered fondly how much she had looked forward to them coming into the restaurant for their working lunches.
She exited through the side door onto the sidewalk. The ten-degree temperature was more than enough incentive to hike up the collar of her heavy wool coat, tug her knit cap over her ears, and pull on her lined leather gloves. She took a deep breath, enjoying the cold air that seemed to invigorate her lungs. The snow was as beautiful as before, drifting and swirling now more softly from the dark sky. She had to admit that she was a northern girl, addicted to the four distinct and often harsh seasons.
The streets were plowed and her walk back to Robin’s Nest was easy and enjoyable. Once inside and settled on the living room couch with a hot chocolate, self-served from the kitchen, she called Bert.
When he answered, she greeted him warmly. “Hi there, this is Becky. Getting psyched up to begin the case tomorrow and thought I’d see if you or Norah have any words of wisdom for me before I head out around dawn.”
Bert sounded pleased that she’d called. “Hey there. I don’t have anything to offer that you don’t already know, but Norah may have some insight.”
She replied enthusiastically. “Fantastic, Bert. Hey, do you realize that I haven’t called you Cody even one time since I got here. I’m amazing myself with that, because I totally knew you as Cody down in Cheyenne.”
He laughed at that. “Yeah, I have noticed that, Becky. Funny, the twists and turns of PI work.”
“Yup,” she laughed. “Anyway, boss Bert, what insights does Norah have for me?”
“She says she’s getting two feelings about your case right now,” Bert relayed. “One concerns the mother. Norah feels that the mother is genuinely concerned and will be honest with you. That can be significant because our clients often have ulterior motives or hidden agendas.”
“Oh my, that is great,” Becky responded. “What’s the other thing?”
Bert was more somber now. “She senses that the key is the child. Something has happened to this kid, and if you can find out what that was, you’ll help this family cope with it.”
Becky sat with the phone to her ear, not saying anything. After what seemed like minutes, she finally answered. “Wow, that’s heavy. It was weighing on me before, but now . . .”
“You’ll do fine, Becky,” he said. “Just follow your instincts and use common sense. They rarely lead us too far astray. You always have us to bounce ideas around.”
“Thanks, and please thank Norah for me. I can see I’m going to appreciate and rely on her insights.”
“I’ll pass that on,” he promised. “Be careful traveling tomorrow. It sounds like the roads should be mostly clear, maybe just a few patches of snow or ice to watch for. Give a call if you have any questions or need assistance. Good luck, Becky.”
Becky wished them a good night and put her phone down. She sat quietly sipping her remaining hot chocolate, now a lukewarm chocolate. She re-read the messages again between the company and Lizzie. “What secrets are you hiding, Summer Irene?” she said aloud to herself. She was alone in the living room since there were no other guests this time of year.
It was nearly 10:00 and time to get to bed. The anxiety about her case was suddenly sublimated by a sense of loneliness. As she ascended the stairs leading toward her second-floor room, not even the owners were in sight. She felt all alone in this big, quiet house. It was so quiet that she found herself tiptoeing to quiet the squeaks in the wooden steps and floor. Quietly, she opened and closed her bedroom door, and stood for a couple of minutes, surveying the room with its mix of cute accoutrements, some theirs, some hers. It looked warm and friendly. Yet, the very warmth of the room made her more aware that she wasn’t sharing it with anyone. A trickle of tears dampened her cheeks and spotted her T-shirt as she felt loneliness closing over her like a dense fog.
She’d been so intent upon her jobs and new career that she hadn’t really mourned the end of her marriage. As bad as it had become, she still missed the companionship, especially at night. Her husband could be the nicest guy when he wanted to be. Out in public when things were good, they made a stunning couple. Both men and women would send glances their way. She shook her head and suppressed a sob though, as she recalled the times that weren’t so good.
When she moved to Cheyenne back in the fall, her double black eyes and swollen lips had just gotten healed back to normal. The rages and beatings had progressed to the point that she knew she had to get out or she’d eventually be killed. She knew that some things you just can’t change, and you must think about your survival. Her best girlfriend said the one thing that made her decide to go. “A leopard doesn’t change its spots, Becky.” Becky knew in her heart that was true. Her ex was not going to change from his fi
ts of jealous rage every time another man looked at her. She knew that her only option was to leave Ron Moreland while she could. She had to leave the area, because she knew he would not want to let go of her.
Once she had made the decision to get out and get away, Becky had known that she wanted to help others in similar situations. She’d considered numerous options and occupations, but none really related to her. When she looked into private investigator, though, something had connected with her. If there was anything she could do to help someone else who felt alone, abandoned, and hurting, then she wanted to be able to do something. She needed a paying job fast, and she wanted to help people who were in trouble. She liked mysteries and she liked to solve them. She had decided that she, Becky Moreland, now Thompson, was going to become a P.I., a good one.
All of that mattered, and yet it didn’t seem to make much difference right now. Through the windows, the snow was still swirling lightly against the panes and outside around the pine needles. The thermometer added to her chill, as she read five above zero.
Into the Light Page 3