***
In Red Lodge, Rebecca Abigail Thompson reflected on her phone call with Bert. How wonderful it was to be working with a company composed of good people, people who appreciated and trusted her. She hadn’t been back outside since leaving Lizzie and taking a nap in the cabin. The cheese, sausage, and crackers had been filling and seemed a good compliment to the glass of wine she’d had earlier with Lizzie. She felt no need to go anyplace for food, but she did feel like getting out for some night air. She pulled on her boots and zipped up her winter parka. As she went outside, she tugged on a warm pair of mittens and stepped onto the sidewalk. This time, she looked for slick spots.
“Why, hello Becky, what brings you out on this chilly night?” It was Guy Hayden.
Becky wondered what Guy was doing outside on this chilly night. “Well, Guy, I guess I could ask you the same thing. I just decided that I’d like a little night air and a stroll under this big sky we all talk about.”
“That’s funny,” he said. “That’s exactly what brought me out. Sometimes it just feels stuffy inside and I must get out for a little while. Seemed like a good, clear night for a short walk. Care to walk with me?”
“Sure,” Becky replied. “I’d love to have some company, especially since I don’t really know where I’m going.”
They strolled down the unlighted highway. Between the snow-covered ground and the moon and star light, they could easily see around them. Becky enjoyed the sheen of the snow and the dark star-drenched sky.
“So, Becky,” Guy finally asked, “do you really think there’s something going on with my daughter?”
She knew she had to answer carefully. “Yes, I do, Guy. I can’t explain it yet, but the fear she feels seems to be palpable and comes on instantly from out of nowhere. I don’t think she has any idea why this is happening to her. My job is to try to find that out.”
He walked for a while, saying nothing. Finally, he responded, “Well, as you may or may not know, I’ve often been a bit of an ass throughout my life. I haven’t always been the altar boy that mom sometimes thought I was. Having said that, I want my daughter to be free of whatever is tormenting her. I will help you in whatever ways I can.”
Becky was surprised by his response. She’d felt like he was a bit of an ass. To have him admit it and want to help wasn’t what she expected. She had to make herself relax, breathe deeply, and let her clairsentience seek the truth with this man. She walked calmly and just listened to him talk about Summer.
They talked about his family and his years at Oregon State. He asked her about how she got into being a private investigator. Becky didn’t discuss the marital influence but told him about her deep desire to help people using her gifts of problem solving and relating to others. She didn’t know if he’d understand her being an empath, so she avoided the topic. For now.
When they arrived back at Guy’s house, he asked if she’d care to join them for a nightcap. She thanked him but said no. Then she had second thoughts and asked if Lizzie was still up. When he said she was, Becky accepted the offer. Maybe it was the best approach to continue getting comfortable with them.
Once inside and a glass of wine in hand, Becky began to realize why Guy was out for a walk. It became evident to her that he and Lizzie had been arguing or having a fight, probably over Summer. When she saw him go to Lizzie and hug her tightly and heard him say he was sorry, she began to realize the good she might do for others. It felt like her walk with Guy had opened his mind and heart to both his wife and to the reality that something was really happening to Summer. A warm feeling came over Becky. This is why she became a PI.
They talked about just stuff. Anything that came up was fair game. Becky enjoyed just having a normal conversation with two people she liked and was getting to know. After one glass of wine, which she sipped slowly, she knew it was time to get to bed. It was almost midnight and she was joining them for breakfast at 8:30 and then going to their church. She didn’t want to stray too far from professional decorum.
She walked carefully back to the cabin, just in case the spot of clear ice was still there. Once inside, she got into her pajamas and sat on the edge of the bed. Like her room at the B & B in Cody, this rustic and cute little cabin reminded her of the undercurrent of loneliness she often felt at such times. She debated for a few minutes if she was ready to date and maybe have a relationship. Then the realization hit her that her job would probably make it difficult to have a real relationship. At the least, she’d probably be on the road a lot.
As she laid down and pulled the covers up to her chin, she concluded that it might not be possible to have it all. Her dream job could make it difficult to have a dream relationship. For now, she knew the job had to take priority over her personal life. Something about this job and this company pulled at her heart and tugged her down that path.
Chapter Seven: Church
Becky blinked her eyes as a ray of sunshine hit them from a small split between the curtains on the east facing kitchen window of the cabin. It seemed like mother nature was shining a flashlight in her eyes to tick her off. She turned over in the cozy queen bed to avoid the bright light, looking again at the cute interior of the little log cabin and savoring the last glowing embers of the fire. The covers were so warm, and she knew the wood plank floor would be cold as ice. It was very tempting to pull the down comforter over her head and sleep longer, but she knew she had to get ready for the morning plans with Lizzie’s family. She flipped back the covers, rolled onto the side of the bed, and slipped her feet into her fleece-lined slippers. The little kitchen and its coffee pot were calling.
“Ah, elixir of the gods,” she said aloud as she took a sip of the freshly brewed coffee, pulled the curtain back, and drank in the mountain valley view. “Gonna be another day in paradise, with some actual sunshine on the menu. Might even warm up to freezing today.” She settled back in the one easy chair and continued to enjoy her coffee. For a few minutes, she indulged that darn sense of loneliness again. It was times and settings, like now in this neat little cabin on a beautiful morning, when she felt so alone. She had always figured it would hit her worse during gloomy weather and in dumpy situations. Those were bad, but it was the inability to share the good times that was the hardest. That’s when she most missed having a man in her life. She sighed deeply and reminded herself that if she avoided the wrong men then the right man would eventually find her. With that bit of self-analysis, it was time to get ready for her visit.
As she dressed, she wondered what Norah’s vision of the inside of a church meant. They were going to church in Nebraska with the Nebraska client, Bert had said. Did Norah’s vision pertain to the church there, or to the church in Red Lodge? For that matter, could it be about a different church altogether? So many questions, she thought, and so far so few answers. She pulled on her wool dress coat, grabbed her cap and gloves in case she needed them later, and left the cabin for the short walk to Lizzie’s house.
Becky walked into the Hayden’s kitchen just before 8:30 this Sunday morning and said her greetings. Because of the cold, she’d decided to wear a black pantsuit with a white cotton shirt. A pair of nice looking, black, cold weather, dress boots finished off her ensemble. She was comfortable yet felt like a million bucks. She’d been on the Hayden’s case now for only three days, but it felt like a month. On this fourth day, she expected a routine breakfast but was apprehensive about what the Church had in store for them. She had an uneasy feeling about it. Maybe it was just a reaction to Norah’s vision.
Their kitchen’s green stained pine cabinets, all handmade, provided a stunning contrast to the honey colored pine logs of the house. The large cedar table and chairs also looked to be a one-of-a-kind creation. Becky especially loved the old-time, deep, twin sinks and the outdoor garden-type faucets for hot and cold water. They gave a real sense of rustic charm to the overall décor. This house was a pleasant blend of beauty and function, modern and rustic.
While Lizzie scurried about ge
tting her servings of toast, scrambled eggs, and deer sausage on the table, Becky enjoyed the view of mountains below a mostly blue sky with scattered high clouds. The thermometer hanging outside the multi-pane thermal windows above the sinks read a chilly 18 degrees. She turned to greet Summer as she arrived from her bedroom, neatly dressed for church.
“Well, good morning, Summer. Don’t you look great this morning. Are you ready for some breakfast and then church?” Becky said.
“Yes, ma’am,” Summer said. “I’m hungry.”
Becky smiled as she recalled how this sweet little girl had such a big appetite. This was confirmed again when they all sat down to eat. Summer ate her generous helpings with gusto, while saying little. Becky also enjoyed the food, especially the sausage. It took all her will power to not take a second one. She hated that it could be such a chore trying to keep her nice figure. She took her mind off it by focusing on the conversation with Lizzie and Guy, mostly discussing the weather and their families. Summer seemed to have a quiet nature and didn’t say much. She appeared to listen to the grownups talk and chimed in occasionally when something especially interested her. The small talk was interesting but didn’t reveal much of substance, though she did find it interesting that there was a new Pastor at the church, and this would be their first time with him. The little bit of time passed quickly before they had to make the ten-minute drive to their church.
Guy had warmed up their car for a few minutes before the ladies got in, so the seats weren’t quite like sitting on ice. Summer seemed to liven up as they made the drive down to South Broadway, and she became chattier. Becky got the tour of downtown from a seven-year-old’s perspective. When they approached the church, Summer was first to point it out. The child was anxious to get there.
“We haven’t met this new priest yet,” Guy said, “I hear he’s quite different from our previous one.”
Becky asked, “How so?”
Lizzie answered, “Apparently, for one thing he’s much taller and slimmer than Pastor Eldredge. That’s the former priest. Eldredge was pretty short and chunky.”
“I hope you guys don’t have anything against us short, chunky people.” Becky laughed.
“Oh my God,” Lizzie said, “you’re kidding, right? Most women would kill to have your figure. Right, Honey?” She looked at Guy.
Guy shook his head, “I ain’t saying nothin’ about Becky’s figure. I may be stupid but I’m not crazy. Hadn’t noticed, anyway.”
Summer had to chime in with the innocence of a child. “You’ve seen her, daddy, I’ve seen you look at her when she walks away.”
They all had a good laugh about that. Two people were a little red-faced as they opened the car doors. A blushed Becky stepped from the parked car and surveyed the church. It was very different from others she’d been in. Not only was it a tall, red brick, building, but it had two flat-topped towers. The left tower appeared to be the main entrance and was considerably larger than the shorter but otherwise identical tower to the right. A central cathedral separated the two. The towers almost gave the impression of guard towers for a fortress, ironic for a church. All in all, though, she thought it an attractive structure and looked forward to seeing the inside.
The ushers greeted them, and Becky followed Guy, Lizzie, and Summer to near the middle on the left side. The interior was beautiful, and the general layout reminded her of many other churches she’d been in. As they waited for the service to begin, Guy and Lizzie said hello and chatted with a few other people nearby. Summer squeezed Becky’s hand and pointed out some of her friends. While this was going on, Becky found herself imagining the view from the altar, looking across the parish. She realized that the altar kids, musicians, and the priest all would have this perspective. What was Norah’s vision trying to tell us, she wondered.
The service began in typical fashion. There were two singers who were quite good, accompanied by a guitarist and pianist. The priest, Father John Hightower, was a reasonably dynamic speaker and aptly named. He was indeed a high tower, must have been about six feet four Becky reasoned. Everything, though, went off in the usual manner, she thought. Nothing out of the ordinary. Maybe Norah was picking up on something at the church in Nebraska.
When the service ended, Becky meandered with the Haydens toward the front entrance. Summer was getting comfortable with Becky and wanted to hold her hand as they walked behind her parents. Guy and Lizzie chatted with a couple of friends as they worked their way to the church entrance, where Father Hightower was greeting everyone individually, many for the first time. The line was moving a bit slowly, though nobody seemed to mind.
Their turn came to meet the priest. As they approached him, Becky felt Summer’s grip on her hand tighten and the child began to hug against Becky’s leg. Becky could sense a sudden unease in the little girl. It was strange and out of character for Summer to be pulling away from this new man, even if she didn’t know him. This was a time when an empath personality was helpful. Becky was feeling not just distrust from Summer but a sense of fear. Why?
Becky watched as Guy and Lizzie exchanged their introductions with Father Hightower. Guy then reached for Summer to lead her to meet the new Priest. Summer at first pulled away from Guy, but when he persisted, she literally jumped onto her dad and threw her arms around his neck. She turned her back on the Priest and pressed hard against her father. Becky could see that Guy was embarrassed and a little miffed with his daughter’s actions. He tried to force Summer away and turn her toward Father Hightower, but she kept turning away from the man and her face betrayed the silent cry and tears about to come. She didn’t want to meet that man. She’s afraid of him, thought Becky. This didn’t seem like the typical reaction of a shy child. More was going on. Why?
Lizzie came to Summer’s rescue and took the girl from Guy, holding her closely and telling her it’s okay. While Summer didn’t cry, she didn’t want to meet the Father, either. Lizzie didn’t push her to do so. Father Hightower was understanding and very nice about the episode, seeming to take it matter-of-factly. After apologizing and another minute of talk, Guy and Lizzie headed for their car. Becky walked just behind them, studying all of them, especially Summer. It was obvious that Guy was quite upset with his daughter while Lizzie was more understanding.
After entering the vehicle, Guy turned to Summer and said angrily, “What’s wrong with you, Summer? I ought to spank you right here for behaving like that.”
“Honey,” Lizzie said, “she’s not used to him. Let’s just give her some time and space to get to know him. He’s new to her.”
“She didn’t act like that with Father Eldredge, even when she first met him,” Guy replied. “So why the big drama with Hightower?”
Becky now jumped into the conversation. “Guy’s, I don’t know why this reaction, either, but I can tell you that she’s experiencing something like fear. She doesn’t understand it, but she doesn’t trust him. I’m able to sense her emotions and this is real apprehension. The question we need to ask is why?”
Guy settled down somewhat and his anger subsided into inquisitiveness. “Well, we know she’s never met Hightower before, so it has nothing to do with the past. So, what else is different from Eldredge?”
Lizzie added, “We know she doesn’t react to other strangers like this when meeting for the first time. Something is different here.”
“Has she met other men at the church before?” asked Becky. “Could it be the church setting itself?”
“Oh yeah, she’s met a number of our male friends and even visiting strangers at the church,” Lizzie replied. “She never acted like that with any of them.”
“Hightower was wearing his regalia, robe and all,” said Guy. “Could it be the fact that he looks like a priest, I wonder?”
Summer was leaning tightly against her mother while this talk about her was going on. The few times they asked her about these things she just shook her head and silently turned her face against Lizzie. She didn’t seem to know why she
was feeling whatever she felt. Becky could sense that the little girl was confused and bewildered about it all.
Becky then said, “But Father Eldredge would have been wearing his official clothing, too. She wasn’t afraid of him, didn’t you say? So, it must not be the robe.”
“What’s left then?” asked Guy. “Only other thing I can think of is body type. Eldredge is shorter and somewhat fat, Like Becky,” he laughed, “while Hightower is tall and lanky.”
Becky laughed back. “Oh, so the truth comes out now, huh. Back on my diet, I guess. Regarding that, doesn’t she meet and know other men who are both short and tall, chunky and lean? Does she react like that with any of them?”
Guy and Lizzie pondered that. Finally, Guy answered, “Yes, and no. Yes, she’s around all body types and no, she doesn’t act like that with any of them that I can remember.”
“That’s right,” Lizzie continued. “So, what’s left?”
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