The only exceptions were a large stainless-steel side-by-side refrigerator/freezer unit, resting in one corner of the room, and a large capacity dishwasher next to the sink. The stainless-steel finishes were buffed to a brilliant shine, just like everything else in the kitchen. The old oak floors and the knotty-pine cabinetry were spotless and finished with a high-luster varnish.
There were two black cast-iron skillets sitting on the stove with bacon crisping nicely in one and over-easy eggs frying in the other. Since no one else was in the kitchen at that moment, and Sean was practically drooling over the wonderful smell of bacon cooking, he reached for one of the bacon strips.
“And didn’t I tell Da we might have a scallywag among us? Stealing the bacon, the moment a poor girl’s back is turned.”
Sean was startled by the voice from behind him and quickly pulled his hand back from the frying pan. He turned to see who’d entered the kitchen behind him and saw a lovely young woman walking toward him.
“Sorry,” he stammered. “It smelled so wonderful I couldn’t resist.”
She walked past him, frowning tolerantly, as she took up her position in front of the stove. She deftly grabbed a strip of bacon out of the pan with her tongs and set it on a napkin.
“If you’re that bad off, then you’d best have a strip before you faint away right before my eyes,” she said, letting a smile touch the corners of her mouth.
“Thanks,” he said, taking the bacon she offered to him. “I can’t remember the last time I was this hungry.”
“I suppose trying to run your car over a fallen tree gives a man a healthy appetite,” She said, turning back to the stove.
“So it seems,” he agreed, munching on his bacon strip.
He watched her for a moment, while she pulled the eggs out of the pan and onto a serving plate. By the look of her, Sean guessed she was in her mid-twenties. She had thick, shoulder-length, auburn hair and vivid, sparkling green eyes. Her complexion was peaches and cream, and her long, curvaceous figure was outstanding — curves in all the right places. This woman was a classic Irish beauty, except for her unusual height. She had to be nearly six-feet tall.
“Seen enough or would you like me to strike a couple of other poses as long as you’re ogling me,” she asked calmly.
Sean felt a blush burn up his neck and flush his cheeks as he quickly looked away. He seemed to be getting off to a very bad start with this woman.
“I didn’t mean to stare, ma’am. I just…I guess I’m just not myself this morning,” he stammered.
“Ma’am, is it? I don’t look a day older than you, and my name is Ashling, Ashling Cahir. And I know you’re Sean Quinn, a fine Irish name, or so says your driver’s license,” she said, stepping toward him and offering her hand.
“Yes, I’m Sean Quinn and it’s a pleasure to meet you, Ashling. So you are Irish. I thought you might be after listening to your lovely accent.”
She smiled as they shook hands. “Oh yes, we’re Irish through and through, although our accent has faded a bit since we’ve been gone from the homeland for so many years.”
“So you were born in Ireland. When did you immigrate to the United States?”
“It seems like two lifetimes ago,” she replied wistfully.
For a moment Sean saw what appeared to be sadness or longing in her eyes. It was there and then gone so quickly he couldn’t be sure he’d seen it at all.
“Do you still miss Ireland so much?”
“I do indeed. Don’t get me wrong. I’ve grown to love our little piece of heaven on earth here on the Oregon Coast. In many ways it reminds me of home.”
Sean wanted to ask more questions, but the café doors opened behind him and Eamon strolled into the kitchen.
“I see you’ve been given a taste of my dear daughter’s cooking,” Eamon said, as he stood next to Sean and rested a hand on his shoulder. “Believe me; you have no idea how fortunate you are. Ashling has been known to inflict serious bodily harm on those caught sneaking a wee taste from her kitchen.”
“Go on with you, Da. You’ll be having our injured guest believing I’m a dangerous woman to be around,” Ashling said.
“That you are but well worth the risk, since you’re also an extraordinarily lovely lass and the finest cook that ever graced a kitchen.”
“Enough of the blarney,” she said, smiling and kissing her father’s cheek. You two go sit at the table and I’ll bring your breakfast to you.”
When they were seated around the table, Sean went to work on the bacon, eggs and golden hash browns like a man who’d missed his last few meals. He couldn’t believe how hungry he was and how delicious the simple, well-prepared food was.
“Are you sure the man wasn’t lost alongside the road for days before he tried to run into your furniture store, Da? He’s eating like he hasn’t seen food for a week or more,” Ashling said.
“And what’s wrong with a young man with a hearty appetite, Ashling?” her father said. “I’m sure he’s a hard-working fella and needs to keep his strength up.”
“He’d better be hard working with an appetite like that or he’ll soon be as big as our house,” Ashling said.
Sean felt his cheeks redden for the second time that morning and wondered how long it had been since he’d blushed like a school boy. He decided that it must have something to do with the strange surroundings and his accident, since he didn’t normally embarrass easily.
“Sorry if my manners are lacking. I just can’t remember being this hungry before, and you’re fine cooking has raised my appetite to new heights,” Sean said.
“Well said, Sean. You’re obviously a man of fine words and an easy tongue. I admire that in a young fellow, but I’ve found it sometimes difficult to believe everything a fast-talking man has to say,” Ashling said.
“What a thing to say to a perfect stranger that you’ve just met, Eamon said incredulously. For all you know, he could be a man of the cloth, spreading the word of God around the countryside.”
“It’s all right, Eamon, Sean said. “I’ve known a few fast talkers in my time, and I don’t have any use for them either. Of course, the one person I know who could tell a pack of lies faster than any other happens to be a woman. One of the richest people on the entire west coast and she got that way by lying and conniving her way to the top. So, you see, Ashling, it’s not only men who are born with a silver tongue.”
“I couldn’t agree more,” Mr. Quinn. Like you, I’ve known many men and women with the devil’s own gift for blarney,” Ashling said. I suppose it’s made me over cautious when it comes to strangers. My apologies if I’ve offended your delicate sensibilities.”
Sean put his knife and fork down and looked directly at Ashling for a moment before he replied. Her eyes were as open and innocent as a young child, but there was a hint of a mischievous smile at the corner of her lovely mouth.
“My sensibilities may not be as delicate as you seem to think,” Sean said. “It’ll take more than a passing comment from a young woman to upset me.”
“Ashling darling, would you be kind enough to bring us a loaf of that fine bread you bake along with a dab of butter and jam?” Eamon said.
Ashling smiled at her father and nodded her head slowly. She hurried off to the cupboard without another word. While she was gone, Eamon turned back to Sean.
“Don’t mind Ashling, Sean. She can be a bit temperamental around someone she doesn’t know well, but she’s truly a darling girl once you get to know her,” Eamon said.
“Believe me, I understand completely. She seems like a fine young woman, and I’ll do my best to put her mind at ease while I’m here,” Sean said quietly.
“And how long will that be, Mr. Quinn?” Ashling asked, as she returned to the table. “How long do you intend to be with us, I mean?”
Sean was amazed that she had overheard what he said from across the kitchen. He thought she must have supersonic hearing.
“I’m not sure how long I’ll be. This i
s a part of the countryside I’ve never seen before, and I would like to look around a bit, once I’m fully recovered from the accident. I surely wouldn’t think of imposing on you and your father’s gracious hospitality while I’m here. I’ll gather my things and find a hotel or bed-and-breakfast to stay in. Surely you have one or the other in town,” Sean said.
“Indeed we do,” Eamon replied. “We’ll not be sending you off to one of them, however. I insist that you stay with us while you’re mending and doing whatever sightseeing you might wish before you head for home. Isn’t that right, Ashling?”
“Of course, father dear. We won’t let it be said that a Cahir didn’t show an injured stranger all the kindness he deserves.”
She was smiling at Sean as she talked, but he thought he still felt an undercurrent of mistrust in her words. He wondered if it was a particular incident or life in general that caused her to be mistrustful of a stranger. Her father certainly didn’t seem to share her concerns.
“It’s settled then,” Eamon said. “You’ll stay with us while you’re on the mend, and Ashling will be your tour guide. She’ll show you all there is to see in and around our beloved little town of Rundimahair.”
Sean was sure that Ashling was about to object when a look passed from father to daughter, and she smiled and nodded instead. Whatever her true feelings, she wasn’t going to argue with her father in front of him.
“I’ll do the best I can, Father. Not that there is all that much to see,” she said.
“What may seem familiar and ordinary to someone who’s lived here all of her life may strike an outsider as extraordinary and full of possibilities,” Sean said.
“Oh, I didn’t mean to say Rundimahair was ordinary,” Mr. Quinn—quite the opposite in fact. You could travel far and wide and not find so pleasing a place to live out your days,” Ashling said.
“Well, despite my youth, I have traveled far and wide and seen much of what the world has to offer. I look forward to adding Rundimahair to my list,” Sean said.
“Now don’t be getting your hopes up too high, Sean,” Eamon said. “Sure, it’s a grand place and all, but I doubt anything too interesting or exciting will take place while you’re visiting our little town.”
“Still, I look forward to learning all I can while I’m here, and I’m grateful to have such a lovely and intelligent tour guide to teach me everything she knows,” Sean said.
“Oh yes, a silver-tongued devil indeed,” Ashling muttered.
Chapter Two
There are only three kinds of Irishmen
who don’t understand Irish women—
old men, young men, and men of middle age.
~ Old Irish Saying ~
Ashling agreed to begin her duties as tour guide that afternoon once she’d finished going over the books for the furniture shop with Eamon. Father and daughter adjourned to the library of the home, carrying on a hushed conversation as they went. Sean was fairly certain that he was the topic of discussion.
After eating a large breakfast, Sean decided he would get a little exercise. He thought it better to wait until Ashling was available to show him around the interior of their home. It looked to be a lovely day, so he decided he’d begin with a tour of the grounds of the Cahir home.
After he’d walked out to the front gate, Sean turned to look at the stately old home from a distance. It was a charming two-story, with tall, white stucco walls. Four evenly spaced dormers protruded from the steeply pitched roofline, where warm, brown-toned tile covered the roof. The multi-colored stone chimney that climbed the north end of the home looked to be hundreds of years old. A wide, brick-lined walkway led to an impressive double-door entry that appeared to be made of ancient solid oak. The entire home appeared to be very old but meticulously maintained.
Sean found a gray stone path at the edge of the front yard that led around the side of the home and into a spacious backyard. At a glance, he estimated the grounds to be well over two acres in size and as well maintained as the beautiful home. The large expanses of grass were a lush green, and the many large trees and shrubs were perfectly trimmed and shaped.
The path led him to the middle of the back yard and into a breathtaking flower garden that was surrounded by a perfectly shaped hedge of privet shrubbery that was easily ten feet in height. The hedge was a deep green with sweetly scented small white flowers blooming throughout. In the center of the flower garden, the stone pathway split and followed around both sides of a large, circular fountain. The walls of the fountain were about two-feet-high and appeared to be constructed of the same stone material as the main house. In the center of the circle was a fountain pushing a spray of water eight feet into the air, before it fell back into the pool at the base of the fountain.
Sean was amazed by the intricate detail of the structure and the entire garden. He was surrounded by roses of all shapes, colors and sizes. It was obvious that someone spent a great deal of time caring for the flower garden and everything else he’d seen on the grounds of the Cahir home.
The Cahirs didn’t behave like a typical wealthy family, but Sean knew enough about housing and real estate to realize that it would take a fair chunk of change to maintain the large, beautiful home and grounds.
After touring the exterior of the home, he was very anxious to wander through the rest of the interior. There were probably many interesting surprises awaiting him there, as well, judging by what he’d already seen.
Fatigue began to overtake him as he circled the fountain to get a closer look at the many roses in the garden. He assumed that the accident had taken more out of him than he realized, since he was normally fit and full of energy. Reluctantly, he turned back to the house, thinking a quick rest might do him some good.
As he walked, Sean looked around him and smiled at the warm, sunny day and gazed up into the clear blue skies. He was amazed at the mild, pleasant day since it was the middle of February. Weather on the Oregon coast was usually cold, wet and often foggy this time of year.
Another thought struck him, and he turned to look back at the flower garden. It was without doubt one of the most beautiful settings he’d ever seen, and that was part of what bothered him. How had they managed to have a rose garden in full bloom in the middle of February? He made a mental note to talk to Ashling about it when they began their tour.
By the time he made it back to the house, he was feeling very tired and decided he’d go directly to his bedroom for a short power nap. He struggled up the stairs, wondering why he was feeling so weak and sleepy when it was only mid-morning.
Sean dropped onto the bed, turning onto his right side and wrapping the quilt over him. Just a short nap would do him a world of good, and then he’d seek out Ashling and see if she was ready to begin her duties as tour guide. He realized that he was looking forward to spending time with her, which shouldn’t be too much of a surprise. She was a very attractive and interesting woman that any man would enjoy spending time with. His thoughts continued to dwell on Ashling, and he was soon fast asleep.
When he finally opened his eyes again his room was dark and the house quiet. A quick glance at the bedside clock told him he’d slept through the remainder of the day and well into the night. It was now a few minutes before two in the morning.
He was amazed by the passage of time and realized his body must have needed the rest. He made another mental note to not over do it for the next few days and give his mind and body a chance to recover.
His thoughts were suddenly interrupted by a strange clanking noise outside his bedroom window. His first instinct was to ignore it, but the clanking was soon joined by the sound of metal scraping on rock and his curiosity got the better of him.
Sean rolled out of bed and stumbled to the window, still feeling a bit lightheaded. He pulled aside the drapes, hoping to identify the source of the strange noises. At first he didn’t see anything, but when the scraping sounds began again it was apparent they were coming from behind the large willow tree in Eamon’s
back yard.
He lifted the sash on the window about an inch. The metal on stone sounds rang louder in the quiet night air, followed closely by what seemed to be urgent whispered voices. Sean couldn’t make out what they were saying, but they seemed to be trying to quiet the source of the noise.
Before he could decide what to do, Sean was surprised by a sudden golden glow that emanated from behind the tree. It was a soft golden light that seemed to pulse with a gentle energy. To add to his confusion, two very short men rushed out from behind the tree, dancing a jig as they hummed a quiet tune.
Sean was having difficulty wrapping his mind around what he was seeing. After a moment’s consideration, he decided to alert Eamon to what was going on in his back yard. He was about to stand when he heard a soft sound directly behind him.
“Who is. . .” is all he could say before he felt a sharp twinge at the base of his neck. Within seconds a feeling of pure weightlessness overwhelmed him, and his mind was filled with absolute peace and joy. It was a sensation that he’d never experienced in his entire life. Sean tried to move, but all the strength had drained out of him. He collapsed onto the floor and descended into unconsciousness before having a chance to identify his attacker.
* * *
Early morning sunlight filtered into the room through the window facing the back yard. Birds were chirping merrily in the large willow tree, inviting anyone within earshot to get out of bed and enjoy the bright, clear morning.
Sean groaned and reluctantly opened his eyes. He sighed and struggled to sit up on the edge of the bed. His head ached dully, and his body felt stiff and tight. When he tried to stand, dizziness washed over him as he collapsed back onto the edge of the bed.
He scratched an itch on his right shoulder and felt the familiar, soft fabric of his favorite pajamas. Something vaguely troubling touched his mind when he looked down at his pajamas and bare feet. When he searched for the cause of his disquiet, he realized he couldn’t recall much of anything about last night.
Rundimahair: A new hero for a new adventure Page 2